The Korean Catholic Church Hails the Historic Handshake in Panmunjom

On April 27, 2018, Kim Jong Un became the first North Korean head of State to cross the military border that divides the peninsula in two, ever since the armistice of July 27, 1953 that put an end to the Korean War. He did so in answer to an invitation from the president of the South, Moon Jae-in, elected on May 9, 2017, whose presidential program includes a policy of dialogue and reconciliation with Pyongyang.

“The directors of the peninsula of North and South Korea, symbols of the last remaining divided nation in the world, met in Panmunjom, the very symbol of the division,” wrote the president of the Episcopal conference.

For Archbishop Kim Hee-Jong, “this summit between North and South puts an end to a conflict that has lasted a long time: it will become a cornerstone for peace in the Korean peninsula.”

“In the name of the Church in Korea,” concluded the prelate, “I hope for the success of the summit….Pray that the Risen Lord may bring peace to His disciples[.]”