Vatican City, Oct 22, 2010 / 01:05 am
Receiving the new Korean ambassador to the Holy See, Pope Benedict XVI praised the Republic of Korea’s work for peace and its role as an “important player” on the world stage. He pledged the Church’s help to advance the common good, noting the inspiration the faithful take from the example of the Korean Martyrs.
Ambassador Han Hong-soon presented letters of credence to the Pontiff on Oct. 21 at the Vatican.
Encouraging the Korean government’s efforts to promote material prosperity, he noted the dangers involved in rapid economic growth. Such growth can “too easily bypass ethical considerations” and exclude the poorer elements from their “rightful share” in prosperity. The recent financial crisis has drawn attention to the need to renew the “ethical foundations” of all economic and political activity, he continued.
He told the new ambassador that the Catholic Church’s role is to proclaim the truths of the Gospel, which challenge “narrow pragmatism and partisan interests” and recognize the obligations to the human person “created in the image and likeness of God.”