Archbishop Peter Soon-taick Chung of Seoul urged Christians to focus on justice, unity, and compassion in his Christmas message, delivered amid political turmoil and economic challenges in South Korea.
Reflecting on the humility of Christ’s birth, Archbishop Chung described it as a call to embrace respect and understanding.
“The Almighty God, the Son, willingly divests Himself of His grandeur, assuming the frail form of the most impoverished and vulnerable child among us,” he said.
The Archbishop acknowledged the anxieties caused by political instability and urged reconciliation and dialogue.
“What we genuinely require is a warm humanity that upholds respect for one another,” he said, calling for a collective effort to heal divisions.
Quoting Pope Francis’ Evangelii Gaudium, he underscored the need to prioritize long-term growth and mutual understanding over the pursuit of power.
“Time is greater than space,” he said, encouraging communities to focus on renewal and unity.
Archbishop Chung emphasized that peace requires justice and love, calling on communities to work together to restore democracy and promote the common good.
“Peace is not a gift bestowed upon us; rather, it is a creation birthed from our collective efforts,” he said.
He highlighted the Church’s role in supporting the marginalized and vulnerable, particularly during tough economic times, and urged concrete actions to bring hope to those in need.
“Extending compassionate gestures and open-heartedness to the marginalized and socially vulnerable is more urgent than ever,” he said.
The Archbishop also cautioned against divisive rhetoric, stressing the importance of open dialogue and mutual respect.
“The voice of the Church should not incite division and discord but foster reconciliation and unity,” he said.
As the year ends, Archbishop Chung pointed to the birth of Christ as a symbol of hope and renewal. “No matter how dark the night may seem, dawn inevitably awaits,” he said, calling for a culture of prayer, support, and connection.
