Pope Francis visited South Korea last week. He is evaluated as the most charming Pope of all time because he is always humble. Generally, new popes name after the Saints designated by the Catholic Church according to its custom. However, nobody had chosen the name, ‘Francis’ so far. Why did he choose ‘Francis’?
Who is Saint Francis of Assisi?
Francis was born rich in Assisi, Italy about 800 years ago. He used to lead a life of debauchery when he was young. One day, he found enlightenment and he let all things he had go. Then, he turned his back on the world falling into poverty by himself and has looked after people who are sick and weak. After he died, he was venerated as a saint by Anglican Church as well as Catholic Church. Francis’ spirit has inspired the Pope Francis so that the Pope lives an upright life according to his principle and is devoted himself to working for the poor and alienated people.
The Pope Francis realized that every human being has human dignity in everywhere each person is, such as in a family, a church or a society. So, he has tried to make a world filled with hope through unity and harmony. Such his move seems to be influenced by his experience that he had worked in a chemical factory in his childhood. After he grew up, he has helped the people who suffer from military dictatorship, poverty, drug and violence in his motherland, Argentina. Because he practices what he preaches, his actions arouse respect from many people.
Before his visit to South Korea, the Pope Francis revealed top 10 secrets to happiness and it is gaining much popularity with many people. What we sympathize the most is the 10th tip.
“10. Actively strive for peace.” Peace cannot be achieved when we just stay silent doing nothing, but it can be achieved when we lead the world to peace. We in a state of truce need to make our voices for peace. When he was leading a church, cruel wars had happened by a military dictatorial government. He has been trying in a nonviolent way to reduce the sacrifice saying, “The cost of violence is always paid by the weakest people.”
Like what he said, wars are still happening all around the world. The damage of children who are still being attacked from Gaza accounts for 1/3 of all. Wars make many guiltless people as well as children sacrificed. This is the problem that we must solve on an international scale. So, we need to work solving the problem.
Some Korean Catholic priests who went abroad to study in Vatican puts meanings that the Pope’s visit is for seeking Vatican’s role to alleviate the tension and to establish peace on the Korean Peninsula. No matter what his purpose to visit Korea is, I really want everyone to become one and make a voice for peace. So, I hope all of us try and work for it.
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If we don’t work for peace, peace can never be achieved. Just as the Pope Francis acts up to his word, let us be the ones who work for peace. Therefore, I hope we can put an end to wars and live in a peaceful world happily as soon as possible.
