ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - Grief and gratitude fill the hearts of Catholics in Korea as Bishops prepare to send a delegation to Rome

Seoul (Fides Service) - “We are filled with grief for his death but at the same time we are profoundly grateful for his life” Bishop Andreas Choi Chang mou, secretary of the Korean Catholic Bishops’ Conference told Fides with regard to the death yesterday evening (during the night in Korea) of Pope John Paul II.
“We are forming a delegation of bishops, clergy and religious to travel to Rome to carry our local Church’s last respects to His Holiness. I know that many lay people plan to make the journey as well. In the meantime churches are filled with people and Masses are being said at every hour. The memory of John Paul II, his words, his teaching, his life are indelibly imprinted on the hearts and mind of Koreans, Christians and non. He was deeply respected and appreciated by all” the Bishop told Fides
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 3/4/2005 righe 19 parole 196)