'People of Fellowship' 'Smiling Angel'
The Life and Thoughts of Cardinal Yoo Heung-sik

“Love.
Then you can understand.”

“Often we think of love as too grandiose.
He asks that everyone love him.
“Only by loving one person specifically can you love others, and further, you can love humanity.”

“It is good to remember the saying, ‘It is better to choose the lesser of two evils than the best of two evils.’
I hope that politicians will start by looking at the people's bowl rather than their own bowl.
To the Father, ninety-nine sheep are precious, but one lost sheep is equally precious.
“I will go to the left or the right, wherever there is even one lost sheep.”

“Love calls love.
When are we at our weakest?
It is time to receive true love and recognition from the other person.
At such times, humans become defenseless.
When the other person accepts you for who you are, you will try to do what they like.
Even without giving instructions or orders, it becomes a relationship where people voluntarily cooperate and cooperate for each other.
The right relationship will be established automatically.
“Love has such miraculous power.”
--- p.30

“Please call me ‘Father Lazarus.’
The Italian word for cardinal is 'Eminenza', which means 'Your Majesty' in Korean.
Although it is a title for a high-ranking clergyman, I personally prefer to be called 'Father'.
The identity of all Catholic clergy, regardless of rank, is that of a priest and a priestess.
For the bride, the ninety-nine sheep are precious to the father, but the one lost sheep is equally precious.
“That is the love and role of a father, so ‘Father’ is the most honorable title.”
--- p.36

“My morning alarm is set for 4:40.
Starting my day at the crack of dawn has been a staple of my routine for over 40 years since I became a priest.
At first, I got used to waking up at 5:30 in the morning, and then at 5:00.
When I get to Rome, I wake up at 4:40, 20 minutes earlier than usual.
I want to start the day a little early and dedicate it to God in good health.
This is a very precious time when nothing disturbs me.”
--- p.40

“In a hyper-connected world where the entire world is interconnected, the suffering of others quickly becomes our own.
They are not afraid to reveal their greed for money and power, and in the process, they are also prone to inciting death and destruction.
The good news is that in this situation, unprecedented solidarity and cooperation are occurring everywhere.
“Activities opposing conflict and injustice, protecting the ecosystem, humanity's common home, and supporting the poor and needy are also growing stronger than ever.”
--- p.43

- Your Majesty, you are also a human being. Do you ever get angry?
“Of course there is.
Sometimes I get angry at God.
When faced with incomprehensible events or accidents, we sometimes turn to God.
“You are a father, a loving being, so why did you create this suffering?” he asks.
Then he says this:
I trust you, I trust you as my father, and I trust you to lead everything in the right direction.
So please tell me what to do.”
- Then can you see the road?
“In the end, the answer is love.
“If you put love into everything you do, the results will be different.”
--- p.47P

“Pope Francis did not stay in the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the Pope, but rather in the ‘House of Santa Marta.’
While the Apostolic Palace is strictly off-limits and can only be visited by a select few, Martha's House is relatively accessible.
This choice reflects the Pope's desire to meet more poor and struggling people.
At Martha's house, the Pope would pick up a plate and serve himself food, and he would eat casually while mingling with people.
“The Pope’s example has become a role model for many clergy.”
--- p.53

- Pope Francis borrowed the cardinal's book recommendation and subtly suggested the need for overcoming authoritarianism and decentralization, saying, "We all need light from the East."

“I believe that the ‘light from the East’ that the Pope spoke of comes from the Church’s traditional way of speaking.
This is because all of the Western Church's liturgies, scriptures, canon law, and other traditions originate from the Eastern Church.
It seems like a metaphor comparing the 'East' to the 'Orient'.
This is interpreted to mean that we must return to the spirit of the church in the period when the Bible was written and the liturgy and church law were established.
“I think the ‘East’ that the Pope spoke of is not an expression referring to a specific region, but rather a desire for change, a desire to look back at that change from its source.”
--- p.55

- Korea seen from a distance from the Vatican seems different than when seen up close.
What kind of country is it perceived as?
“The Holy See is a place where clergy from all over the world live together and assist the Pope in serving the universal Catholic Church.
It is a place where diverse people and cultures meet.
Unlike in the past, Korea is no longer a country unknown to the world.
Today, we realize that we have become a stronger nation than ever before.
Wherever I go, I can proudly say that I am Korean.
The Catholic Church in Korea has maintained its faith through the proclamation of the Gospel, led by laypeople, even amidst harsh persecution for over 100 years. Its evangelization efforts have also seen an increase in the number of believers, earning it a very positive and highly regarded reputation.
Even if you don't know the history of this faith, Korea's national power and prestige serve as another indicator for correcting the Vatican's view of Korea.
Although it is a very cautious expression, many people see Korea as a country where the state and the church grow together, and as a strong country that can lead Asia in particular.”

- What do we need to become a true leader?
“The only regret is that we have to ask ourselves whether Korea has its own soul and philosophy.
If South Korea, not North Korea, is to become a truly advanced nation, or a leader representing a region, we must renew the essence of our soul, encompassing the universality and essence that will lead not only our society but also other nations.
“I believe that discovering and establishing it is an urgent matter that cannot be postponed as our status rises.”
--- p.76

- What's your next dream?
“I want to live like a bride.
“Fun, exciting, and cheerful.”

- A cheerful bishop… .
The dream is rather simple.
“It’s a simple but very important thing.
Actually, I haven't done anything big to change the world.
I feel like the little things in life can change with just a little smile.
When you practice love, a smile spreads across your face.
When you smile, life becomes fun, exciting and bright.
That cheerfulness is contagious again.”-81

“I have lived my entire life holding the saying, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive,’ in high regard.
We must restore the heart of giving good things to our neighbors.
“The government’s desire to give good things to its people, and the people’s desire to give good things to their neighbors, is love, healing, and recovery.”
--- p.93

“Cardinal Farrell announced the news of Pope Francis’ passing, saying, “Pope Francis has gone to the Father’s house in heaven.”
When I hear this news, I see a quiet peace rather than sadness, pain, or loneliness.
Because He wanted us to be at peace rather than sad.
Furthermore, I felt great envy for the Pope who lived such a wonderful and beautiful life.
This is clearly reflected in the Pope's final message to the world from the balcony after Easter Mass on April 20, 2025.
Love conquered hate.
Light has overcome darkness.
Truth has triumphed over lies.
“Forgiveness triumphs over revenge.”

--- p.103