Korean prelate: North Korea’s threats a sign of desperation
April 10, 2013
The president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea says that North Korea’s threat of nuclear war is a sign of desperation meant to extract foreign aid.
“It is our presumption that they wish to draw out some financial assistance from abroad without conceding their pride or self-esteem,” said Bishop Peter Kang U-Il of Cheju in South Korea. Bishop Kang described the North’s economy as “demolished” and living conditions there as “destitute.”
While “one could not deny the possibility of [an] unexpected military clash,” Bishop Kang said that “I think we need much patience in dealing with the people of [North Korea] who have been isolated for [a] long time from modern world.”
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Further information:
- North Korea warns foreign nationals to leave South Korea (Vatican Radio)
- Bishop: North Korea's threats might aim to increase aid, preserve pride (CNS)
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Posted by: frjpharrington3912 -
Apr. 11, 2013 1:28 PM ET USA
Kim Jong Un, the young and inexperienced leader of North Korea could learn a valuable lesson in human relations from Pope Francis' who recently visited his living predecesor Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at Castle Gondolfo. Instead of using the threat of nuclear war to arouse sympathy for his country's economic woes he should imitate the humility of Pope Francis who declined the right to pride of place in the chapel, insisting that Benedict XVI pray beside him saying, "we are brothers."
