프란치스코 교황 방한의 의미와 해석

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to interpret what effect Pope Francis's recent visit to South Korea has on Korean Catholic Church as well as Korean Society, with a method of phenomenology that is useful to figure out the historical facts. After returning home, Pope has summarized the meaning of this Apostolic Visit in his first General Audience address with these three words: memory, hope, and witness. That is to remember the amazing developments and excellent Korean traits and to remember the first role of the laity. These memories of the past witness is to become a new testimony for the present and a hope for the future. Through Papal visit, most Koreans have favorable impression on Catholics. But a heavy responsibility fell on shoulders of the Korean Church. The reason of raising solid ground of Catholic Church in Korea at the moment can be translated as a reflection of the Pope Francis rather than the result of the efforts of the Korean Catholics. Now is the time for the Korean Catholic Church to make a church for the poor, a poor church as shown by Pope Francis. It has to renew itself for social evangelization including social welfare and human rights, so that it can step forward to the poor and the marginalized. Involved in politics, economy, and society, the laity has to take the major role.