President Moon calls for peace on Korean Peninsula at St. Peter's Basilica
  • 6 years ago
Let's start with a moment that'll go down in history.
President Moon Jae-in summoned the faithful of the Roman Catholic Church at the heart of it, the Vatican.
He reassured the attendees of the special "Mass for Peace" that a lasting peace will be achieved on the Korean Peninsula.
Shin Se-min reports.

President Moon making the most of his time in the limelight to talk about a subject so close to his heart…

"Prayers offered for peace on the Korean Peninsula will resound as echoes of hope in the hearts of the people of the Koreas as well as those around the world who desire peace. Our prayers today will surely become a reality. We'll achieve peace and overcome division without fail."

President Moon, stood on the podium at Saint Peter's Basilica during a special "Mass for Peace," the first Korean leader to give an address at the event,… presided over by the Pontiff's top diplomat, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin.
It's what the Vatican described as "unique and exceptional" as the Holy See very rarely holds special masses for individual countries.
President Moon, a Catholic himself, summoned his fellow Roman Catholic Church faithful that amazing changes are already happening on the peninsula,… stressing the Koreas are faithfully keeping their promises - the scrapping of weapons and guard posts and removing land mines from what used to be the world's most heavily-fortified border.

"The love for humanity that bloomed in Christianity and European civilization traveled through time and space, all to give hope to the Korean Peninsula. The spirit of inclusion and alliance that the European Union is working to realize inspired our journey toward lasting peace on the peninsula."

The president asked the Vatican to continue praying for peace on the peninsula, saying he's certain it will be achieved.
In his homily, Parolin prayed for the gift of peace on the Korean peninsula,… 'so after years of tensions and division the word 'peace' can fully ring out.'

"Next on his schedule: passing an invitation from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to Pope Francis to visit the regime's capital.
And as seen from the level of welcome and firsts for President Moon's visit,… like the special mass for peace even during the busy weeks of Synod, or the meeting with bishops from around the world,… there's optimism the Pope may in fact make the historic trip.
Shin Se-min, Arirang News, Rome."
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