There are some five million Roman Catholics in South Korea, but that will not be the only community closely watching Pope Francis’ visit. The Pope is also expected to meet with North Korean Catholics living in South Korea when he holds a special mass for reconciliation and peace.

Lee Eun-hyung, a priest at a church near the border with North Korea, said: “I believe one of the reasons he chose South Korea as his first visit in Asia is linked to peace on the Korean peninsula and the division of South and North Korea. We anticipate his strong message on peace will give us hope in the future.”

But North Korea has rejected an invitation to that special mass, clouding hopes for peace and the Pope’s visit. Still, the reconciliation mass is only one of the 25 official events scheduled for the leader of the Catholic church.

Pope Francis will also meet with South Korean President Park Geun-hye, as well as hold a mass at a stadium in Daejon, where most of the persecution of Korean Catholics took place in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Pope will also meet with students who survived the Sewol ferry sinking tragedy as well as families of those who died in Daejon. He will also attend the 6th Asian Youth Day, which a gathering of Catholic youths from more than 15 countries.

The Pope will hold a mass in Gwanghwamun Square where more than one million Koreans are expected to gather. Only about 170,000 people will be allowed to attend the mass itself. A ceremony will also be held to put 124 Korean Catholic Church martyrs on track toward sainthood.

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/