Pope sends condolences over Kim Dae-jung's death

SEOUL, Aug. 21 (Yonhap) -- Pope Benedict XVI has sent a message of condolence to
the South Korean people and President Lee Myung-bak over the death of former
South Korean President Kim Dae-jung, who was a devout Catholic, according to his
family and aides on Friday.
"Having learned with sadness of the death of former President Kim Dae-jung, His
Holiness Pope Benedict XVI sends condolences to you and to the nation," Cardinal
Tarcisio Bertone, secretary of general of the Vatican, said in a message
delivered to Lee.
"He commends the late president's soul to the mercy and love of almighty God, and
upon all the Korean people who mourn his passing. He cordially invokes the divine
blessing of peace and strength," the message said.
Kim, who died Tuesday of pneumonia complications at the age of 85, met with North
Korean leader Kim Jong-il in 2000 in the first summit meeting between the two
Koreas.
ejkim@yna.co.kr
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