President Moon sends congratulatory message to Archbishop Yu Heung-sik of the Vatican... "Elevated our country's status"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in, a devout Catholic, sent a congratulatory message to Bishop Yoo Heung-sik, the Archbishop of the Catholic Diocese of Daejeon, who was appointed as the Prefect of the Vatican's Congregation for the Clergy, becoming the first Korean to hold this position.

In his message on the 12th, President Moon expressed his congratulations, saying, "This is not only a joyous occasion for the Korean Catholic Church but also uplifting news that enhances our country's prestige."

On the 11th (local time), Pope Francis appointed Bishop Yoo as the Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy and granted him the title of Archbishop. The Congregation for the Clergy, with a history of 500 years, is a Vatican department responsible for overseeing all duties and lives of priests and deacons worldwide.

President Moon said, "It is especially meaningful as this year marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Father Kim Dae-geon, the first Korean priest," and added, "I sincerely congratulate him together with the people."

He continued, "Like the Archbishop's pastoral motto, 'I am the light of the world (Lux Mundi),' I believe he will become a light for a world without discrimination and for comforting the poor," adding, "Since he has made special efforts for peace on the Korean Peninsula, our expectations are even greater."

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