South Korea

The Latest

South Korean archbishop voices hope for new president

May 10, 2017

An archbishop in South Korea encouraged the country's new president to bring unity to a nation struggling both from recent... Read more

Can South Korean Catholics evangelize Asia?

Nov 10, 2016

Catholics in South Korea have a unique position to evangelize, one scholar says.  Read more

Pope Francis is recieved at the presidential palace in Seoul, Aug. 14, 2014.

Will the Catholic Church have a growing role in Korean reconciliation?

Aug 24, 2015

By Andrea Gagliarducci

With an increasing number of faithful, the Catholic Church in South Korea may foster a climate of reconciliation and peace,... Read more

Cardinal Yeom of Seoul visits healthcare workers who have cared for Mers patients, July 8, 2015.

Korean cardinal praises medics' courage in face of Mers outbreak

Jul 11, 2015

The recently-elevated cardinal of Seoul has expressed his gratitude to the doctors and nurses of the Catholic Medical Center for... Read more

Pope Francis speaks to religious communities at the Training Center 'School of Love' in Kkottongnaeon, South Korea, Aug. 16, 2014.

Pope reiterates lessons from Korea in meeting with nation's bishops

Mar 12, 2015

His trip last August to South Korea was on Pope Francis' mind Thursday when he met with the nation's bishops,... Read more

Asian Conference of Secular Institutes officers, in Mumbai.

Secular institutes to explore evangelization in Far East

Oct 16, 2014

The general assembly of secular institutes in Asia, being held later this month in South Korea, is committed to finding... Read more

Pope Francis addresses religious communities in Kkottongnaeon, South Korea, Aug. 16, 2014.

Memory, hope, witness are Korea trip’s import, Pope reflects

Aug 20, 2014

By Carl Bunderson

Pope Francis discussed his recent trip to South Korea in his General Audience address Wednesday, saying its significance is found... Read more

Pope Francis speaks to religious communities at the Training Center 'School of Love' in Kkottongnaeon, South Korea, Aug. 16, 2014.

Papal visit to Korea focuses on theme of reconciliation

Aug 17, 2014

Calls for peace and reconciliation dominated Pope Francis’ historic apostolic visit to South Korea, which concluded as the Pope boarded... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims as he arrives for the closing Mass of the 6th Asian Youth Day Aug. 17, 2014.

'Asian youth, wake up!' Church needs your witness, Pope says

Aug 17, 2014

Addressing thousands of young people from across Asia, Pope Francis emphasized the urgent need to “wake up” and spread Christ’s... Read more

Pope Francis speaks to religious communities at the Training Center 'School of Love' in Kkottongnaeon, South Korea, Aug. 16, 2014.

Only a joyful witness will attract, Pope tells religious

Aug 16, 2014

Addressing the religious communities of Korea, Pope Francis urged a deep reliance on the mercy of God and a focus... Read more

Pope Francis beatifies Paul Yun Ji-Chung and 123 companion martyrs in Seoul Aug. 16, 2014.

Pope beatifies 124 Korean martyrs, praising their witness to Christ

Aug 15, 2014

By CNA Staff

Pope Francis on Saturday beatified Korean martyrs Paul Yun Ji-chung and 123 companions, praising their “great sacrifices” and their call... Read more

Bishop Francis Hong Yong-ho of Pyongyang, who was disappeared by the North Korean regime in 1949.

North Korea could soon have its first saint: Hong Yong-ho

Aug 15, 2014

North Korea could in time have its first canonized saint, since last year the death of the Bishop of Pyongyang,... Read more

Pope Francis prays with journalists on the papal flight en route to South Korea, August 14, 2014.

Pope Francis: 'There is only one Korea'

Aug 15, 2014

Addressing the division between North and South Korea, Pope Francis emphasized that the two are “one family,” calling for prayers... Read more

Pope Francis speaks during his meeting with young people for Asian Youth Day August 15, 2014.

Pope to Asian youth: Are you ready to say 'yes' to Christ?

Aug 15, 2014

In an Aug. 15 meeting with Asian youth, Pope Francis emphasized the need to respond joyfully to God’s call in... Read more

Pope Francis says Mass at the World Cup Stadium in Daejeon, South Korea, Aug. 15, 2014.

True freedom means loving God, Pope tells thousands at Mass

Aug 14, 2014

Pope Francis on Friday encouraged Christian Koreans to be leaven in their society, asking them to embrace the “true freedom”... Read more

Pope Francis addresses the bishops of Korea in Seoul, Aug. 14, 2014.

Vatican 'shares the sadness' of Chinese youth barred from visiting Korea

Aug 14, 2014

Holy See press officer Fr. Federico Lombardi said Thursday that “we share the sadness” of the young people from mainland... Read more

University student Sun-Joo Pae assists international press at the KBS stand inside the media center at the Lotte Hotel in Seoul, South Korea.

Korean journalist seeks to spread Pope’s message of peace

Aug 14, 2014

By Elise Harris

A journalist with South Korea’s leading radio and television network has voiced her joy at covering the papal visit, as... Read more

Pope Francis addresses the Korean Bishops' Conference in Seoul, South Korea on August 14, 2014.

Be guardians of hope, Pope Francis tells Korea's bishops

Aug 14, 2014

On the first day of his historic papal visit to South Korea, Pope Francis urged local bishops to not only... Read more

Logo for Pope Francis' apostolic voyage to South Korea, Aug. 14-18, 2014.

Korea joyfully awaits Pope's arrival, charity's local branch head says

Aug 13, 2014

South Koreans are full of joyful anticipation at the impending arrival of Pope Francis, according to the director of the... Read more

Pope Francis at St. Peter's Square during his June 18, 2014 General Audience.

Korea trip fulfills the dream of the seminarian Jorge Bergoglio

Aug 13, 2014

As a young man and a Jesuit still in formation, Jorge Bergoglio longed to become a missionary in the Far... Read more