Cardinal You Heung-sik Visits Korea for Summer Vacation
Presidential Office's Personal Letter Delivered to the Holy See
Meeting Likely Within This Year
Pope Leo XIV Shows Great Interest in the Korean Peninsula
Pope Actively Listening to Reports on Korea
Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-sik, Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy of the Holy See, stated that he is working to arrange a meeting between President Lee Jaemyung and Pope Leo XIV within this year.
Cardinal Andrew Yeom, Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy of the Holy See, is holding a press conference on the 3rd at the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
Cardinal You, who is currently visiting Korea for his summer vacation, said at a press conference held on the 3rd at the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, "The Presidential Office has already delivered a personal letter to the Holy See expressing the wish to have an audience with the Pope as soon as possible," adding, "I believe the meeting will take place within this year." Cardinal You explained that although he has not yet met or communicated directly with President Lee since arriving in Korea, he is working to ensure that President Lee's visit to the Holy See can be realized within this year.
On this day, Cardinal You also expressed his expectations for the newly inaugurated President Lee. "I hope he will listen to many people and be skilled in dialogue. I also hope he will show even more love," he said. "Since he has received help from many people until now, I hope he will now see this as an opportunity to help others."
He also mentioned that everyone has gone through difficult times since the 12·3 martial law. Cardinal You said that after the 12·3 martial law, he received countless inquiries from cardinals around the world, such as, "Is it true that there is martial law in Korea? Is your family all right? What is the situation in Korea?" He admitted that he personally became so concerned that he kept checking internet news, and even confessed that "I spent too much time reading internet news." "We can't say that everything will end immediately, but I hope these unfortunate events will be resolved as soon as possible," he added.
To the public, he asked that instead of condemning politicians as a group, people should pray for them. He said, "Politicians make our lives better. Building roads in remote areas and providing homes for newlyweds are all within the authority of politicians," adding, "Pope Francis has said, 'If you do not pray for politicians, do not criticize them.' We must discern and pray for them."
Cardinal You said that Pope Leo XIV is well aware of the situation on the divided Korean Peninsula. He explained, "I have clearly explained the situation of the Korean Peninsula, divided between North and South Korea, to the Pope, and I know that he has taken it to heart," adding, "I believe President Lee Jaemyung's visit to the Holy See this year will play a significant role."
He drew a line regarding the possibility of North Korea's participation in the World Youth Day to be held in Seoul in 2027, saying it is still premature. "No matter how good the intention, if the other side is not ready, bringing it up suddenly could make things difficult for them," he said. "I have hope and expectations, but I hope such wishes do not become too loud," he added cautiously.
Currently, Cardinal You said that Pope Leo XIV is focusing on listening to those around him rather than taking the lead himself. "The day after Pope Leo XIV was elected, he immediately convened a meeting of cardinals and said, 'I cannot do this alone; we must do it together,' giving everyone time to speak freely. It was incredibly rich and wonderful," Cardinal You said. "He also listened to many opinions about the Seoul World Youth Day. Since the peninsula is divided between North and South, the theme of peace is important, and the history of the Korean Catholic Church, born from martyrs, is something to be proud of before the world," he shared.
Cardinal You was appointed Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy of the Holy See in August 2021, with an original term of five years, leaving just over a year until the end of his term in August next year. In addition, the Holy See requires cardinals to submit their resignation upon reaching the age of 75. As he will turn 75 on November 17 next year, it is highly likely that he will step down at that time. Regarding this, Cardinal You said, "I could live in Rome, but there is no need for that. I plan to return and live in Korea."
Regarding the possibility of another Korean cardinal being appointed, he answered, "The distance between the Holy See and Korea has become much shorter than before. In the past, communication was mostly through official documents, but now dialogue takes precedence. We have become much closer," adding, "I believe the Korean Catholic Church has much to contribute to the Holy See."
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