Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Holy Father Benedict XVI sent a telegram of condolence to the Archbishop of Seoul (Korea), Cardinal Nicholas Cheong Jinsuk, immediately following the death of Cardinal Stephen Kim Sou-hwan, Archbishop Emeritus of Seoul, on Monday, February 16. In the telegram, the Holy Father writes: “Deeply saddened to learn of the death of Cardinal Stephen Kim Sou-hwan, I offer heartfelt condolences to you and to all the people of Korea. Recalling with gratitude Cardinal Kim’s long years of devoted service to the Catholic community in Seoul and his many years of faithful assistance to the Holy Father as a member of the College of Cardinals, I join you in praying that God our merciful father will grant him the reward of his labors and welcome his noble soul into the joy and peace of the heavenly kingdom. To Cardinal Kim’s relatives and all assembled for the Solemn Mass of Christian burial I cordially impart my apostolic blessing as a pledge of consolation and strength in the Lord. Benedictus PP. XVI.”
Cardinal Stephen Kim Sou-hwan died in the Catholic hospital of St. Mary's in Gangnam, Seoul. He was 86 years old. He was born in Taegu on May 8, 1922 and was ordained a priest on September 15, 1951. Appointed to the residential see of Masan on February 15, 1966, he received the episcopal ordination on May 31 of the same year. Transferred to Seoul on April 9, 1968, he was created Cardinal by Paul VI in the Consistory on April 28, 1969. He was noted for his pastoral guidance of the Archdiocese of Seoul at the age of 46 and when he was appointed Cardinal by Paul VI, he was the first Korean to be raised to the dignity of Cardinal and the youngest Cardinal in the world. On April 3, 1998, he resigned from pastoral government of the Archdiocese. From June 10, 1975 to April 3, 1998 he was also apostolic administrator of Pyong-yang.
Cardinal Kim's pastoral work was that of instilling the spirit of the Conciliar renewal in the diocesan structures and intensifying evangelization activity, especially with the collaboration of the laity. He place special attention on dialogue with non-Christians and on coordinating common efforts in charitable works and assistance. Being courageous as he was – amidst the difficult internal political situations – he made declarations and initiatives in defense of human rights, workers, and democracy. Having served as President of the Korean Bishops' Conference, from 1973-77 he served as President of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) and for many years he was a member of the Council of the General Secretary of the Synod of Bishops. Cardinal Kim was also delegated President of the Special Assembly for Asia of the Synod of Bishops, which took place in the Vatican, April 19-May 14, 1998. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 17/2/2009)
