The Archdiocese of Seoul expressed hopes that reconciliation between North and South Korea could be achieved through a conversion of hearts.
The statement was made during the celebration of the 30th anniversary of its National Reconciliation Committee with a Thanksgiving Mass at Myeongdong Cathedral on March 12.
Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick of Seoul, who is also the Apostolic Administrator of the Pyongyang Diocese, presided over the Mass. He emphasized the need for a change in attitudes toward peace and unity.
“It is my hope that our Reconciliation Committee, along with other Church organizations, as well as religious and civic groups seeking new relationships in this era, can join forces to walk the path of conversion together,” the prelate said.
He reflected on the committee’s history, recalling that in 1995, five decades after Korea’s division and 45 years after the Korean War began, Cardinal Kim Soo-hwan publicly expressed his intent to visit North Korea.
On March 1 of that year, the National Reconciliation Committee was officially established.
The prelate expressed concern over the current state of inter-Korean relations. He said that the Korean Peninsula is marked more by hatred than love, discord rather than reconciliation, and division instead of unity.
However, he urged that the journey toward peace must continue. “Though our journey of reconciliation is not yet complete, today, we must once again find the courage to walk this path boldly,” he said.
“We must remember our mission to pray for peace on the Korean Peninsula, reconciliation between North and South Korea, and the evangelization of all people,” he added.
He emphasized the need to overcome decades of deep-seated resentment, noting that 80 years of suspicion, rejection, and hatred have solidified divisions on the Korean Peninsula.
He underscored that achieving a new era of peace must start with a transformation of hearts.
Archbishop Giovanni Gaspari, Apostolic Nuncio to Korea, affirmed the Vatican’s support for the Church’s peace efforts.
“At a time when tensions and divisions persist, your efforts to heal the wounds of separation and open a new chapter of reconciliation are more valuable than ever. The Holy See is closely observing your work and continues to pray for the peaceful reunification of the Korean Peninsula,” the prelate said.
He expressed hope that the efforts of the Seoul Archdiocese’s National Reconciliation Committee would yield meaningful results and help spread the spirit of reconciliation and unity more broadly.
The Mass was attended by over 400 participants, including church leaders, clergy, religious, and activists supporting North Korean defectors.
The event also featured the presentation of a book chronicling the history of the National Reconciliation Committee over the past three decades.
Awards of recognition and appreciation were presented to individuals dedicated to the mission of peace and unity.
Founded in 1995 by the late Cardinal Stephen Kim Sou-hwan, then Archbishop of Seoul and Apostolic Administrator of Pyongyang, the National Reconciliation Committee has pursued peace efforts through “Prayer, Education, and Sharing.”
In 2015, it established the Peace and Sharing Research Institute, which focuses on research, education, and practical initiatives toward peace.
Among its programs are the “Wind of Peace” DMZ International Youth Peace Pilgrimage and the Thomas Society, a research group for young scholars focused on reconciliation.
