At a Monday audience celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Korean Pontifical College's inauguration in Rome, Pope Leo XIV met with Korean clergy and reflected on their remarkable journey of faith.
As preparations gather momentum for World Youth Day in Seoul in 2027, the meeting provided an occasion to celebrate how the Church in Korea has grown into a dynamic land of missionaries.
The pope emphasized that the Korean Church's vibrant growth rests firmly on the testimony of its martyrs. Through relentless persecution, devastating wars, crippling poverty, and national partition, Korean Catholics have continuously overcome incredible hardship.
"The Korean people have demonstrated throughout history an extraordinary strength of character," Leo remarked.
The pope said it was a powerful testament to God's grace that the faithful kept "the ability to go through the ordeal without losing hope and without letting suffering harden the heart."
Drawing pastoral inspiration from history, Leo highlighted the tireless witness of Venerable Thomas Choe Yang-Eop. Known for walking endless miles across Korea to connect remote, hidden villages and bring them the light of the Gospel, Father Choe serves as an enduring model for modern ministry, the pope said.
The pope urged the assembled clergy to imitate Choe's zeal: "In our time we have much need for men and women who have the courage to do good even when it costs them."
Recognizing the diverse dioceses and backgrounds represented among the clergy, the pope called for a renewed commitment to synodality. By listening to one another and moving past regional differences, priests embody a unified Church walking together on the same path through Christ, he said.
Finally, looking ahead to hosting the world's Catholic youth in 2027, the pope reminded the clergy to ground all their preparations in constant prayer, seeking the intercession of St. Andrew Kim Taegon, patron of Korean clergy.
"Young people from all over the world will arrive in a land where the Gospel has grown through the testimony of the martyrs," Leo said.
