Lenten Campaign 2025
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Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick of Seoul called for prayers and aid as South Korea continues to grapple with ongoing wildfires.
“Recent wildfires spreading across various regions of the country have caused great suffering for many people,” Archbishop Chung said in an official statement released by the Archdiocese of Seoul.
“My heart aches at the distressing news that continues to reach us. I pray for the eternal rest of all souls lost to this unforeseen disaster. I also pray that the Lord’s comforting and healing hand may be with all those who have suffered and lost their homes,” said the prelate.
On March 21, 2025, a series of wildfires broke out throughout South Korea. Since then, at least 27 people have been killed and thousands of acres have been destroyed. These fires are the largest and deadliest on record in the history of South Korea.
Investigations into the cause of the fires are ongoing, said South Korean authorities.
The archdiocese, said Archbishop Chung, “will do its utmost to stand in solidarity and identify meaningful ways to accompany them on the journey of recovery.”
Relief efforts
The Archdiocese of Seoul has begun two aid campaigns to help those impacted by the wildfires.
The “One Body One Spirit Movement,” an initiative of the Seoul Archdiocese, began a fundraising campaign on March 27 that will continue through April 30, reported LiCAS News. LiCAS is an Asian Catholic news organization.
The One Body One Spirit Movement aims to raise 2 billion South Korean Won – about $1.3 million in U.S. dollars – during the campaign, said LiCAS. The funds raised will go to support the areas most damaged by fires, “particularly in the Diocese of Andong.”
Additionally, the Nanum Foundation of the Fool, which is led by Seoul Auxiliary Bishop Koo Yo-bi, made a pledge of 1 billion South Korean Won (about $681,000 USD) for emergency funding, and will also have a special collection to benefit those impacted by the wildfires, said LiCAS.
Catholics in South Korea are a small but growing minority in the country. About 11% of the population is Catholic, a figure that has grown exponentially since the 1960s.
Pope St. John Paul II made two visits to South Korea, and Pope Francis visited the country in 2014.
In 2027, South Korea will host World Youth Day.
