SPOTLIGHT 25/02/07 Korea’s first cardinal for sainthood hailed for self-sacrifice, lo

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Stephan Kim Sou-hwan is credited for implementing the spirit of Vatican II, promoting evangelization and democratic values

Priests carry the casket of South Korean Roman Catholic Cardinal Stephen Kim Sou-Hwan at Myungdong Catholic church in Seoul Feb. 20, 2009, four days after his death. Stephen Kim Sou-Hwan is the first South Korean to become a Roman Catholic cardinal and played an important role in his country's pro-democracy movement. (Photo: AFP)

By UCA News reporter

Published: February 10, 2025 11:14 AM GMT

Updated: February 10, 2025 11:22 AM GMT

Late South Korean Cardinal Stephan Kim Sou-hwan, a candidate for sainthood, has been praised as a model of self-sacrifice and love, and for his lasting influence on Christians and people of other faiths during a special symposium on his life and contributions.

“As we convene for this symposium, we are called to reflect upon the life and virtues of Cardinal Kim, striving to emulate his extraordinary example,” said Auxiliary Bishop Job Yobi Koo of Seoul Archdiocese on Feb. 7.

Yobi made his remarks at "The Symposium on the Beatification Process of Servant of God Cardinal Stephen Kim Sou-hwan: A Celebration of Life, Virtue, and Legacy" held in the capital Seoul.

He reflected on Kim’s life devoted to the service of others and his philosophy which was “one of selfless dedication,” Seoul archdiocese said in a statement.

Yobi also serves as chair of the committee spearheading Cardinal Kim’s (1922-2009) beatification. He is currently venerated as a “Servant of God.”

The Seoul archdiocesan Committee for Promotion of Beatification and Canonization and the Research Foundation for Korean Church History organized the symposium which was attended by laity and priests from various locations.

Among the attendees were Father Bogusław Stanisław Turek, under secretary of the Vatican's Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, retired Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung of Seoul, priests, and members of the laity.

In his keynote address themed “The Causes of Korea — Some Reflections,” Turek recounted how the legacy of the Korean martyrs has continually inspired his ministry and shared insights drawn from his personal journey.

Emphasizing the lasting influence of these martyrs, Turek highlighted the broader significance of sainthood within the Church.

He also underscored the distinctive role of martyrs and saints in the Church as exemplars and intercessors.

“Saints offer profound examples of Christian living and serve as powerful advocates for the faithful through their intercessory roles,” Turek emphasized.

In another lecture themed “Praying to the Saints, Blesseds, and Servants of God,” Turek explored the intricate bond between the Church on Earth and the communion of saints.

“Invoking saints is not about seeking miracles but acknowledging their enduring presence and proximity to God,” Turek emphasized.

Kim, the first Korean to be appointed a cardinal, was well known for his initiatives in interfaith dialogue and lay participation.

He was born in 1922 and ordained a priest in 1951. He studied philosophy at the Catholic University of Jochi Daigaku in Tokyo and sociology at Munster University in Germany.

Kim was ordained as the bishop of Masan diocese in 1966 and the archbishop of Seoul in 1968.

In 1969, Pope Paul VI made him a cardinal. He retired in 1998.

In Seoul, he worked wholeheartedly toward implementing the spirit of Vatican II and intensified evangelization efforts with lay participation. He also prioritized interfaith dialogue and humanitarian and charitable endeavors.

He was president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea from 1973 to 1977 and the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conference (FABC) from 1974 to 1977.

Kim backed popular movements for the return of democracy in South Korea and reportedly reprimanded President Chun Doo-hwan, who seized power in a military coup in 1979, by comparing his illegal power grab to “an outlaw gunfight in a Western movie.”

The cardinal died in Seoul on Feb. 16, 2009.