Seoul (Fides Service) - A warm invitation to visit Korea was addressed by the delegation of the Korean government to Pope Benedict XVI after the Mass for the beginning of his Ministry as Bishop of Rome in St Peter’s Square on Sunday 24 April. Interpreting the sentiments of Korean Catholics, people and civil authorities, the Minister of Culture and Tourism Roberto Chung Dong-chae conveyed the congratulatory message of the President Roh Moo-hyum and the Korean people. When he went to greet the Pope personally after the Mass the Minister invited the Pontiff to visit to Korea assuring him “this is the desire of the Church in Korea and all the people”. Benedict XVI - the Ministered said - responded to the request with a warm smile.
On April 25 a special Mass was said in Seoul Cathedral to thank God for the gift of Pope Benedict XVI. The Mass was presided by Archbishop Andrea Choi Chang-mou, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea. Present also papal nuncio Archbishop Paul Tscherrig, many bishops, clergy, religious and at least 3,000 people.
The news of the election of the new Pope reached also North Korea despite strict control on information and limited religious freedom. The small Catholic community which has no resident priest sent a message of congratulations and affection to Benedict XVI. In a message to the Vatican Samuel Jane Jae-eon, president Catholic Association of North Korea (controlled by the government) said: “We offer warmest congratulations to His Holiness Benedict XVI, in the grace of God and profound faith of the Catholic Church. We are confident that as Supreme Pontiff he will promote love, peace and justice”.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 29/4/2005 righe 26 parole 257)