사진 확대 Cardinal Yoo Seong-sik answers questions at a meeting held at the Korean Catholic Bishops’ Conference on the 3rd. Yonhap News Agency
“Pope Francis was progressive or challenging. Leo XIV, the new Pope is a quiet listener. I think the College of Cardinals appreciated the fact that he did missionary work in a poor part of Peru for more than 20 years, rather than thinking that he was an American.”
This is the words of Cardinal Nazaro (74, Minister of the Holy See) who was the only Korean to participate in the “Conclave,” the vote for the new pope held at the Vatican on May 7. Cardinal Yoo, who visited his home country for his summer vacation, held a press conference at the auditorium of the Korean Catholic Church in Junggok-dong, Seoul on the 3rd to convey the Vatican’s vivid atmosphere regarding the relationship between the new pope and Korea and the 2027 World Youth Congress in Seoul.
Nicknamed the ‘Laughing Cardinal’ by Pope Francis, he is also very close to the new Pope. Leo XIV held the post of bishop before the election of the pope, where he frequently held meetings with Cardinal Yoo, who served as minister of the clergy, and communicated closely in business.
He said, “I stayed on the third and fourth floors of the same apartment building before the pope’s election. He said, “I was worried about the noise between floors, so he said, ‘Don’t bother.'” Regarding the conclave he experienced firsthand this time, he said, “Unlike the movie, it was a holy festival led by the Holy Spirit, which is very fun and has a lot of laughter.”
Yoo became the first South Korean to serve as Vatican minister in 2021. It is also a key position in charge of training and disciplining priests, seminarians, and prospective seminarians around the world. The term of office is until next year, for five years. It serves as a bridge to narrow the distance between Korea and the Vatican, which felt distant.
“I delivered both of President Lee Jae-myung’s letters to Pope Leo XIV during his candidacy and after taking office,” he said. “He said he wanted to continue strong relations with the Vatican and South Korea, especially the new government.” He added that he also requested President Lee to visit the Vatican within this year.
“At the moment the pope was elected, I thought, ‘Oh, he must play a role in North Korea-U.S. relations because he is an American.’ It will certainly play an important role in improving the Korean Peninsula issue and the relationship between North Korea and the U.S..”
The 2027 Seoul World Youth Congress, which the Pope will visit, could serve as an opportunity to improve relations with North Korea.
“The World Youth Congress is the largest Catholic event for young people. There’s no way the Pope isn’t interested. “Before I came to Korea, I met the Pope and told him that it would be good to convey the martyrdom of Korean Catholicism to young people and to convey the strengths of K-pop and artificial intelligence (AI).” On the issue of inviting young North Koreans, he said, “I will make efforts in a way that is not fussy.”
When asked about the possibility of a new cardinal being born in South Korea, he said, “We will appoint a new cardinal at the appropriate time later this year,” hinting at the possibility of additional discharge of Korean cardinals.
When asked about his calling as the minister of the ministry, he said, “If even one priest is sad, it is my responsibility,” adding, “I keep in mind the Pope’s words that happy priests lead young people to church.”
In the eyes of the ‘laughing cardinal’ and ‘Bishops of Myeongrang’, the Republic of Korea is not happy.
“Why don’t we know how to be happy. Foreign countries say that Korea is the best…. Happiness comes when you open your heart and trust each other.” He urged politicians to “leadership that gives love.” “I want the leadership to set a more good example. I think the president and other powerful people should not buy food for my grandchildren, but have a attitude that it is time to serve society. We are always praying for Korea to become a truly advanced country.”
[Reporter Lee Hyang Hwi]