The website of the Korean Embassy to the Holy See in Vatican City on Oct. 28 released handwritten notes by Pope Francis for President Moon Jae-in and the Korean people. The notes read, "To Mr. President Moon and the Korean people, I send a cordial greeting. I pray for you and for peace. Please pray for me."

By Lee Hana and Lee Jihae

Photos = Website of Korean Embassy to Holy See

The Korean Embassy to the Holy See in Vatican City on Oct. 28 released on the embassy's website handwritten notes by Pope Francis for President Moon Jae-in and the Korean people.

In one of the two notes posted, the pope said, "To Mr. President Moon and the Korean people, I send a cordial greeting. I pray for you and for peace. Please pray for me."

In the other note, he wrote a congratulatory message for the bicentennial birthday next year of St. Andrew Kim Taegon, the first Korean-born Catholic priest and martyr.

"In the bicentenary of the birth of St. Andrew Kim Taegon, I send sincere greetings to the Korean people, whom I love. May the Lord bless you and our Lady protect you. And please do not forget to pray for me," the note said.

Pope Francis on Oct. 23 wrote a congratulatory message for the 200th birthday of Korea's first Catholic priest, St. Andrew Kim Taegon.

Cheong Wa Dae Spokesperson Kang Min-seok on Oct. 27 told a briefing that the pope gave the notes on Oct. 23 to outgoing Korean Ambassador to the Holy See Lee Baek-man during the latter's farewell courtesy call.

"Every time he sends messages of blessings to the Korean people and President Moon Jae-in, (Pope Francis) wishes for peace on the Korean Peninsula," the spokesperson said. "In return, President Moon sent a reply of thanks to Pope Francis."

hlee10@korea.kr