President Moon Jae-in appoints a special envoy to the Vatican on May 16. During his visit to Korea, Pope Francis (pictured) receives a warm welcome from a crowd of followers during a beatification ceremony held at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul in August 2014. (Korea.net DB)

By Lee Hana

May 17, 2017 | Cheong Wa Dae

President Moon Jae-in appointed Archbishop Hyginus Kim Hee-joong as a special envoy to the Vatican on May 16, marking the 70th anniversary of the Vatican opening a diplomatic mission in Korea. 

Once dispatched, the archbishop will meet with top dignitaries of the Roman Catholic Church.

“In August 2014, Pope Francis visited Korea on his first official trip to an Asian country. During his stay, the pope delivered messages of hope and goodwill to families of the Sewol ferry tragedy, to the women who suffered as sexual slaves during the Korean War, as well as to people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Stressing that through peace we can gain everything, the pope has emphasized time and time again the importance of restoring peace on the Korean Peninsula,” said Cheong Wa Dae in a press release. 

“The Vatican is the cornerstone of the Roman Catholic faith, with 1.2 billion followers and over 100 official residences around the world. The decision to dispatch a special envoy to the Vatican reflects the new administration`s will to strength ties with the Catholic Church, to bring peace and security to the Korean Peninsula,” it added. 

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