Pope Francis’s most recent Urbi et Orbi given on Easter, April 1, includes wishes for harmony and peace on the Korean Peninsula, and hopes that the inter-Korean dialogue will bear fruit. The photo above shows the pope visiting Seoul in August 2014. (Korea.net DB)
By Kim Young Shin
Pope Francis expressed hope for a fruitful conversation about peace on the Korean Peninsula while delivering his Urbi et Orbi during Easter Mass at St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, on April 1.
He specifically mentioned the situation on the Korean Peninsula, saying, “We implore fruits of dialogue for the Korean Peninsula, that the discussions under way may advance harmony and peace within the region.”
He also said, “May those who are directly responsible act with wisdom and discernment to promote the good of the Korean people and to build relationships of trust within the international community.”
The pope has been engaged in the situation of the Korean Peninsula by expressing concern over tensions in the region and urging reconciliation through dialogue.
Previously on Feb. 7, he mentioned the joint marching of the two Koreas under a single flag during the Olympics, and the joint women’s ice hockey team. He said, “This fact raises hope for a world in which conflict will be resolved peacefully through dialogue and mutual respect, as sports also teach us.”
ysk1111@korea.kr
