Korean faith leaders look to Pope Leo XIV's message of peace as hope for still-divided peninsula
Reglious leaders congratulate new pope, emphasizing peace, reform and interfaith solidarity
Following the election of Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, 69, as the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, Korean religious leaders across denominations have extended messages of congratulations and reflection on Friday. Their responses highlight shared hopes for social renewal, interfaith cooperation amid profound global challenges and a lasting peace — both in the world and on the Korean Peninsula.
Archbishop Chung Soon-taick, head of the Archdiocese of Seoul, called the new pope a 'new shepherd' sent to lead the Church with humility, love, truth and justice. 'We thank God for sending Pope Leo XIV to us,' Chung said, adding that his election reflects 'the living tradition of the Catholic Church and its spirit of renewal.'
Chung drew particular attention to the pope's choice of name. By adopting the title Leo XIV, the new pontiff evokes the legacy of Leo XIII, who issued the landmark 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum, foundational to Catholic social teaching.
'The name reflects a renewed commitment to the common good — especially in addressing emerging questions around humanity in the era of artificial intelligence, women and labor rights,' he noted.
'At a time when the world longs for peace and when the sanctity of human life is ever more precious, we believe he will boldly proclaim God's mercy and justice,' he said, adding that 'We pray unceasingly for his apostolic duties and hope that he will extend his love and attention to the Church in Korea, Asia and the cause of peace on the Korean Peninsula.'
The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism also issued a message of congratulations signed by Ven. Jinwoo, President of the Jogye Order, stating, 'Together with all Buddhists in Korea, we sincerely congratulate the election of Pope Leo XIV as the 267th pontiff.'
Referencing the pope's first message, 'May peace be with you all,' the Ven. Jinwoo expressed hope that this spirit of solidarity and compassion would resonate globally, particularly among those suffering. 'We hope that the prayers of the Catholic Church and Pope Leo XIV will always accompany all of humanity, and in particular, offer great hope and comfort for the establishment of lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula, the world's only divided nation,' the statement read.
The National Council of Churches in Korea, which represents major Protestant denominations, also welcomed the new pope in a formal statement issued Friday. General Secretary Rev. Kim Jong-saeng praised the pope's inaugural message emphasizing peace, unity and human dignity. 'We are grateful that Pope Leo XIV opened his first address by calling on all peoples to be united in peace,' the NCCK said.
'In a time marked by war and overlapping global crises, we hope the churches of the world will walk together on the path of life and peace,' the statement continued. The NCCK also acknowledged the pope's two decades of service in poor neighborhoods in Peru, describing him as a figure of solidarity with the marginalized.
'We pray that the global Catholic Church will continue to become a Church for all, embracing those on the peripheries and serving as a bridge between heaven and the world.'
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