VATICAN - “For over fifty years, the Korean people have suffered the consequences of division. Families have been split, close relatives have been separated from one another. Please let them know that I am spiritually close to them in their suffering. On compassionate grounds, I pray for a speedy solution to the problem which impedes so many from communicating with one another.”: Pope Benedict XVI President of the Republic of Korea

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - The Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI on 15 February received in audience the President of the Republic of Korea. Mr Roh Moo-hyun, accompanied by his consort and entourage. After the audience with the Pope, Mr Roh Moo-hyun had a meeting with Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone. According to a communique released by the Holy See Press Office during their discussions, mention was made of the cordial relations between the Holy See and the Republic of Korea, as well as of the understanding and cooperation that exist between the Catholic Church and the civil authorities. "Attention turned to the political and social situation of eastern Asia and, in particular, to the evolution of the process of reconciliation on the Korean peninsula and to the respect and promotion of human rights in that region."
During the audience the Pope handed the President a letter in English in which he welcomed and thanked him for his visit which, the Holy Father writes, “serves to strengthen the good relations that exist between your country and the Holy See.” The Pope added that the President’s visit “is a clear sign of your esteem for the Catholic Church. I would ask you to convey my affectionate greetings to the people of Korea, and to assure them of my prayers for peace and stability on the Korean peninsula and throughout the region”.
The Holy Father’s letter continues: "For over fifty years, the Korean people have suffered the consequences of division. Families have been split, close relatives have been separated from one another”. The Pope assures his spiritual closeness to those who suffer and prays “for a rapid solution to the problem”. “Please let them know that I am spiritually close to them in their suffering. On compassionate grounds, I pray for a speedy solution to the problem which impedes so many from communicating with one another".
The letter then expresses concern for nuclear arms - “The risk of a nuclear arms race in the region is a further source of concern, fully shared by the Holy See” and calls on all the interested parties “to make every effort to resolve the present tensions through peaceful means and to refrain from any gesture or initiative that might endanger the negotiations, while ensuring that the most vulnerable part of the North Korean population has access to humanitarian aid.".
At the end of the letter, the Holy Father remarks that Korea has experienced “remarkable economic growth in recent times, for which I give thanks to God” but at the same time, “not all citizens are yet able to benefit fully from this increased prosperity”. Therefore Benedict XVI urges the Korean government “to work in harmony with all those who seek to promote the common good and social justice". (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 16/2/2007 - righe 35, parole 501)