South Korea's President Moon Meets US's First Black Cardinal... Gifts 'Handcart Cross' (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] During his official visit to the United States, President Moon Jae-in met with Cardinal Wilton Gregory, Archbishop of the Washington Archdiocese, on the morning of the 22nd (local time) and presented him with a cross made from a wooden handcart that workers used to pull and work with at Dongdaemun Market.

Cardinal Gregory, appointed in October last year as the first African American cardinal, is recognized for his critical stance on racial discrimination issues.

President Moon exchanged views with Cardinal Gregory on peace on the Korean Peninsula, racial harmony, and COVID-19 response. President Moon introduced to Cardinal Gregory that "at the Korea-US summit, we agreed to work closely together to overcome COVID-19 and to make progress toward the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the establishment of lasting peace," and requested his interest and support.

In response, Cardinal Gregory said, "Peace on the Korean Peninsula is very important not only for the people of South and North Korea but also for the harmony and peace of people worldwide," and pledged to pray for the achievement of lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.

President Moon also expressed regret over the recent consecutive occurrences of anti-Asian hate crimes in the United States and asked Cardinal Gregory, who has consistently emphasized racial harmony, to always take an interest in and pray for the safety of Asian citizens, including Koreans.

Cardinal Gregory mentioned, "It is more important than ever to practice mutual respect not only among races but also among individuals based on humanity," and said he would pray and work for racial harmony and peace.

Furthermore, President Moon said, "Disasters like COVID-19 make life harder for vulnerable people and cause many conflicts among them," requesting Cardinal Gregory to demonstrate leadership in harmony. Cardinal Gregory responded, "Hate crimes against Asians are horrific violence and undermine democratic values."

Cardinal Gregory, who visited Korea 17 years ago to attend the Asian and Pacific Bishops' Conference in 2004, shared his experience of visiting Korea, saying, "I deeply cherish the warm hospitality shown by the Korean people at that time," and added, "I look forward to visiting Korea again." President Moon expressed hope that Cardinal Gregory would visit Korea again in the near future.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Moon said, "The Catholic Church in Korea shows great spiritual leadership in areas such as human rights, welfare, and inter-Korean unification," and Cardinal Gregory replied, "I am well aware that the Catholic Church in Korea is leading efforts to realize social justice, help the poor, and promote democracy."

President Moon also paid tribute to Cardinal Gregory's efforts to heal racial conflicts, saying, "The Korean people also mourned the successive hate crimes and racial conflict crimes," and added, "I expect changes as the Hate Crimes Prevention Act passes through Congress and President Biden signs it."

After the meeting, President Moon presented the 'Handcart Cross,' explaining, "Decades ago, workers at Dongdaemun Market used wooden handcarts to pull and work, but as these carts fell out of use, Park Yong-man, a devout Catholic and former chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, made a cross from one of them." Cardinal Gregory kissed the cross, calling it a 'sacred symbol.' Finally, he offered a blessing prayer for the peace and well-being of the Korean people to President Moon.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.