All Religions Ready to Welcome the Pope

All Religions Ready to Welcome the Pope

AsiaNews.it | April 4, 2014 | by Pietro Kim Jaedeok

The "Conference of Religious for Peace" concludes with a joint declaration signed by leaders of Catholic, Protestant, Anglican, Buddhist and Confucian faithful: "We are very happy for his visit, it will help peace and the interfaith movement". Billboards of welcome will be posted on the various sacred places throughout the area. And a venerable Buddhist writes: "His love for the poor and the sick is awe- inspiring, I have a lot of respect for him".


The announced visit of Pope Francis to South Korea is also helping the inter-religious movement and ongoing dialogue in the country. For Koreans of all religions the expression "Francis effect" means: "The spirit of the pope and his action for the poor stirs the hearts of Catholics but also of non-Catholics". And a local Buddhist leader adds: "Having seen him in action, I think he brings a little bit of Heaven to the poor and the sick. I have great respect for him".

This was the climate of interreligious collaboration that pervaded the "Conference of Religious for Peace", which involves the areas of Daejeon Sejong and Chungnam. The group, led by the Catholic bishop Msgr. Lazzaro You Heung- sik, includes the Anglican community, represented by Bishop Kwan Heiyeon; Buddhists , with the vice president in the person of Ven. Beubrun; Protestants, represented by Pastor Nam Jaeyoung and Confucians, represented by Oh Donghwan . The Secretary-General is Ven. Zigang , head of the Nokyawon Buddhist temple.

Source: http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Daejeon,-all-religions-ready-to-welcome-the-Pope-30744.html