Governor Kim Youngrok Sends Congratulations on Election of Pope Leo XIV

Hoping the Message of 'Peace' Will Resonate Throughout Korea

Kim Youngrok Jeonnam Governor

Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeonnam Province, on May 9 congratulated the election of Pope Leo XIV together with all the residents of Jeonnam, expressing his hope that the message of 'peace' would also resonate throughout the Republic of Korea.

In a welcoming message on this day, Governor Kim stated, "I sincerely hope that His Holiness's first blessing, 'Peace be with you all,' will become a beacon of hope for people around the world living through an era of war, confrontation, and chaos."

Pope Leo XIV has shown the true image of Christ as a shepherd by living with the poor in Peru for over 20 years. In particular, his devoted love for indigenous communities and the impoverished, as well as his actions as a 'quiet reformer' who cautions against authoritarianism, have deeply resonated with humanity.

Governor Kim said, "I pray that the spirit of peace and love of His Holiness will fully blossom in this land, and I believe it will serve as a guiding light for our society, which has been wounded by conflict and division, to walk the path of inclusion and harmony." He also expressed his hope that His Holiness would continue to pray for and pay attention to peace on the Korean Peninsula.

He added, "Jeonnam Province will always stand with the poorest and most suffering, following the teachings of His Holiness," and emphasized, "We will remain steadfast in our efforts to build a warm, happy community where people help and share with one another, and to create a truly inclusive world."