Pope's visit to Korea? Dangjin mayor asks Cardinal You to invite pontiff to birthplace of first Korean priest

Dangjin City Mayor Kim Ki-jae has formally requested Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-sik to advocate for Pope Francis's visit to Solmoe Shrine during the 2027 Catholic World Youth Day. The shrine, located in Dangjin, is the birthplace of Saint Andrew Kim Taegon, the first Catholic priest in Korea, making it a pivotal site in the nation's religious history.

The request was made during a visit by Cardinal You to Solmoe Shrine on the feast day of Saint Andrew Kim Taegon. Mayor Kim emphasized the profound significance of both Saint Andrew Kim and Solmoe Shrine to Korean Catholicism. He believes a papal visit would underscore the shrine's historical importance and serve as a major draw for international Catholic youth attending the World Youth Day events.

Solmoe Shrine features a restored replica of Saint Andrew Kim's birthplace, a memorial hall, a sanctuary, and a statue honoring the saint. Saint Andrew Kim, born in 1822 in the Naepo region (present-day Dangjin), was ordained in Shanghai in 1845 and later martyred in Korea. He was canonized by the Vatican in 1984, the 200th anniversary of Catholicism in Korea.

Mayor Kim also pledged to improve the infrastructure and environment of the Dangjin Diocesan Shrine to accommodate the expected influx of visitors during the World Youth Day. The global event, established in 1984, brings together Catholic youth and clergy from around the world for reflection and discussion. The 2027 event is scheduled to take place in Seoul from August 3-8, with an estimated 500,000 international visitors expected.

In a separate discussion, Mayor Kim proposed to Cardinal You the idea of showcasing the traditional Gijisi Tug-of-War, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, should the Pope visit North Korea. This suggestion was framed as a symbolic gesture of harmony and connection between North and South Korea.

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Solmoe Shrine is the birthplace of Korea's first priest and was selected as a UNESCO World Commemorative Figure in 2021. It is like the cradle of Korean Catholicism. We will prepare thoroughly in anticipation of many foreign youths visiting Dangjin City.