South Koreans protest Pope Francis' upcoming visit
Pope Francis' five-day visit to South Korea will begin Thursday, but not everyone in the region is happy. Roughly 10,000 protesters gathered Tuesday to rally against the pope and Catholicism.
As it turns out, the anti-Catholicism demonstration is largely made up of Protestant protesters. The Wall Street Journal reports that the rally, which took place at a convention center in Seoul, included speeches by Protestant pastors outlining the differences between the two Christian traditions. According to local reports, Rev. Song Chun-gil, who has previously opposed efforts to promote cooperation among South Korea's churches, called Catholicism a "perversion of faith."
In 2005, census data found that 18.3 percent of South Koreans identify as Protestant, while 10.8 percent identify as Catholic.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Pope Francis' visit to the region will mark the first papal visit to any part of East Asia in 25 years. During his visit, Francis will beatify 124 Catholic Koreans who were killed in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Associated Press also reports that Francis will provide a "message of peace and reconciliation for all Koreans."
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Meghan DeMaria is a staff writer at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked for USA Today and Marie Claire.
-
Ukraine cheers House approval of military aid
Speed Read Following a lengthy struggle, the House has approved $95 billion in aid for Ukraine and Israel
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Olive oil: alternatives for the 'liquid gold'
The Week Recommends As the price of this store cupboard staple has rocketed, we look at ways to save and other oils to use for cooking
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
Scotland Yard, Gaza and the politics of policing protests
Talking Point Met Police accused of 'two-tier policing' by former home secretary as new footage emerges of latest flashpoint
By The Week UK Published
-
The Vatican's stand on gender-affirming care
Speed Read A new published document condemns gender transition, calling it a threat to human dignity
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
The United Methodist Church has lost 20% of U.S. congregations in schism over LGBTQ rules
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Pope Francis investigates Texas bishop, accepts early resignation of embattled Tennessee prelate
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Southern Baptists expel Saddleback, 2nd church over female pastors, approve further clampdown
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Thousands flock to Missouri to see body of nun who died in 2019
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Report finds nearly 2,000 kids abused by Catholic clergy in Illinois over decades
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Pope Francis is involved in 'mission' to bring peace to Ukraine
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Jewish-Muslim tensions boil over in Jerusalem
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published