by Joseph Yun Li-sun

Bishop Andrew Yeom Soo-jung is among the 19 new cardinals announced by Pope Francis. He pledged to "gather the scattered sheep" and "heal confrontation and rift." For his predecessor, Card Cheong, the new appointment opens a new chapter for the local church.

Seoul (AsiaNews) - "I will make efforts to realise Pope Francis' vision of a church toiling for the poor and those on the margins of society and to make it a church serving the community," said Mgr Andrew Yeom Soo-jung, archbishop of Seoul, as he thanked the Holy Father for his appointment as cardinal, which was announced yesterday during the Angelus.

"I think the pope appointed me to the post to make me effectively carry out the mission of the church," he said during a ceremony held before 300 people at Myeongdong Cathedral.

"I respect efforts made by the late Cardinal Kim and by Cardinal Cheong," he added, "and will add mine to them though they may be little." At the same time, he pledged to "gather the scattered sheep" and "heal confrontation and rift."

His predecessor, Card Cheong Jin-suk, noted that the appointment of a new South Korean cardinal opened a new chapter for the local church, drawing the attention of the world's church. "I hope Cardinal Yeom will perform his duty well, honouring God's will," Cheong said.

The two prelates later warmly hugged each other.

 

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