The next visit of Pope Francis

In 2005, North Korea’s state-run media announced Pope John Paul’s death April 5, three days after it occurred. UCA News reported that the Korean Catholics’ Association sent a condolence message to the Vatican, and a memorial Mass for the late Pope was held in Pyongyang, the North Korean capital, drew about 100 mourners, according to international news reports, and a video footage more than a minute aired in South Korea April 10 showed people praying for the pope and receiving Communion, according to UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand. The church in Pyongyang was opened in 1988, after destroying more than 1,500 churches during the regime of Kim Il Sung who ruled the country between 1948 and 1994.

This above fact comes as a reminder for many commentators who thought it would be better if Pope Francis, who visit Seoul during writing these words, could pay a similar visit to the Norther Korean twin. As if the Pope wants peace for the Korean Peninsula, it wouldn’t happen by neglecting the feelings of thousands of Catholics who live in North Korea. Asia has been the continent of all Prophets who spread their peaceful messages all over our world. But, alas, it is now the continent that suffers too much with the absence of peace.

I believe that our top priority mission is to faithfully getting the peoples back on the right tracks, by spreading justice, freedom and dignified life for all world citizens, without differentiations that divide them on a devilish way disguised behind the masks of religion, race and ethnic values.

To solve a single problem, could lead to solve another and more, if it is impossible anywhere, I still think it is possible for the Koreans, to have the next visit of the Pope in a united country, why not?! First his attitude should be for all believers, and supported by all faithful. As a beginning, I would ask His Highness, why don’t you visit the DMZ, as a beginning?