AKIPRESS.COM - Pope Francis intend to pay a visit to South Korea next week and to conduct the beatification mass on August 16 in streets of Gwanghwamun Square, Asia News Network reports.
As many as 1 million people are expected to gather in the area to see the head of the Roman Catholic Church beatifying 124 Korean martyrs.
Officials at the Korean Catholic Church asked for understanding and cooperation of citizens regarding the inconvenience that such a large-scale outdoor event could cause.
“The Holy Father wants to meet as many people as possible. But for us, who are organizing the event, the biggest concern is the security and safety of the pope, as well as all the participants,” spokesperson for the Preparatory Committee for the Visitation of the Holy Father told a press conference in Seoul.
Thus, a 1.3-meter high safety fence will be installed along the street where the mass will take place.
The mass will last up to two hours.
Pope Francis is scheduled to arrive in Korea on the morning of August 14. He will speak Latin during the mass, but the sermon will be in Italian.