Pope Francis in South Korea


On August 14, 2014, Pope Francis began a five day visit to South Korea.

Pope Francis was greeted by the heads of government and other officials in the president’s residence. Noteworthy, is that the Pope addressed the audience in English, a language the Pope rarely uses.

An intense program will follow this official greeting:

Thursday - August 14

After the official reception, he will meet with the Korean bishops.

Friday - August 15

Pope Francis will lead a Mass at the Daejeon World Cup Stadium. The stadium, built for the 2002 World Cup games, can accommodate up to 42,000 people. As part of efforts of Asian Youth Day, he will lunch with young people at a seminary and meet with more youth at a shrine for Catholic martyrs.

Saturday - August 16

The Pope will beatify Paul Yun Ji-Chung and 123 other martyrs. South Korea's early Catholic history is marked by fierce persecution by the government. Catholicism was viewed as a foreign influence and also a threat to Confucianism, which was the governing social order. The Catholic Church estimates about 10,000 believers died in the persecutions beginning in late 18th century. Those who refused to denounce their faith were executed. Many of them were tortured and beheaded.

With his message of embracing the marginalized, the Pope is scheduled to visit Kkottongne, which means flower village. The biggest welfare facility run by the Korean Catholic Church, the program works with homeless, disabled people and substance addicts. The facility includes an adoption center for abandoned disabled infants.

Sunday -- August 17

After meeting with Asian bishops from the region, Pope Francis is expected to hold the closing Mass for Asian Youth Day, which is expected to be attended by 2,000 young people.

Monday - August 18

After meeting with religious leaders, Pope Francis will hold a final Mass for Peace and Reconciliation at Seoul's oldest cathedral, Myeong-dong Cathedral, in Seoul.

 

 

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