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Kim Dae-jung, first Catholic president of South Korea, dies at 85
19-08-2009
SEOUL, South Korea (CNS) -- South Korean religious leaders have expressed sorrow over the death of Kim Dae-jung, the country's first Catholic president. Kim was hospitalized in Seoul July 13 with pneumonia. He died around 2 p.m. Aug. 18. He was 85.
Cardinal Nicholas Cheong Jin-suk of Seoul issued a condolence message soon after Kim's death was announced, reported the Asian church news agency UCA News.
The cardinal said Kim, the 2000 Nobel Peace Prize recipient for his efforts at helping North Korea, had dedicated his life to promoting human rights and the democratization of South Korea and had worked for peace on the Korean peninsula.
Cardinal Cheong said Kim forgave his political foes despite the persecutions he suffered, including threats to his life. The cardinal also praised Kim's faith, quoting him as saying, "With the knowledge that Jesus was crucified for humanity, I could overcome all hardships and trials."
The Rev. Kwon Oh-sung, secretary of the National Council of Churches in Korea, said the former president had established human rights and peace as basic values in society. Rev. Kwon said he hopes South Koreans will build on Kim's achievements.
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/briefs/cns/20090818.htm
