Korean community can't wait to meet pope

(ANSA) - Vatican City, July 16 - The Archdiocese of Seoul spokesperson Father Hur Young-yup said in a Wednesday radio interview that the Korean community 'can't wait to meet' Pope Francis during his 'much needed' upcoming August visit to the Republic of Korea.
    "Not only Catholics, but all Koreans like Pope Francis. We appreciate his down-to-earth manners and his simplicity; we appreciate the way he takes care of poor and marginalized people. The entire Korean population is eager to meet the Pope," Father Hur told Vatican radio.
    The August 14-18 trip will be the pontiff's third international visit. In his interview, Hur said Korea faces issues such as "materialism, individualism, secularism and religious apathy". "The same problems exist within the Church, so it is important that the Church find new ways to address these issues".
    The Korean priest went on to praise the Vatican's support of his divided country.
    "I think humanitarian support and honest dialogue are key.
    The Church has continued to provide humanitarian support even when the relationship between North and South Korea was tense".
    "Korea is a country that symbolizes the need for world peace and reconciliation. The Holy Father's visit can bring an important message of hope and peace to our country. It is not just an occasion for the Korean Church, but an important opportunity for internal reforms and external evangelization," Hur said.
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