New bishop for Masan: Joy in Styria!

New bishop for Masan: Joy in Styria!

Masan, Korea - on December 26, 2024, in an important turn for the Catholic Church in South Korea, Bishop Linus Seong-Hyo Lee was appointed the new diocesan bishop of Masan by Pope Francis. Lee, who previously worked as a auxiliary bishop of Suwon, succeeds Bishop Constantine Bae Ki Hyen, who resigned on August 27, 2022. Graz Bishop Wilhelm Krautwaschl commented on the appointment and emphasized the joy that this message also finds great response in Styria. He is looking forward to getting to know each other with the new bishop, which has already connected a diocesan partnership with Graz-Seckau over five decades, as Kap reported.

A look at Bishop Linus Seong-Hyo Lee

Bishop Lee is not only the sixth diocesan bishop of Masan, but also brings with it a remarkable academic and church history. Born on July 6, 1957 in Suwon, he initially acquired a master's degree in electronics before continuing his theological studies in South Korea and Germany. In 1992 he was consecrated and held numerous offices in the diocese of Suwon. The appointment of Lee is seen as an opportunity to further deepen the partnership between the Diocese of Graz-Seckau and Masan, which has existed since 1971. This partnership is strengthened by regular exchange and delegation visits, whereby a "day of diocesan partnerships" is celebrated every year, such as vatican Press emphasized.

With Linus Seong-Hyo Lee, the Masan diocese has a highly qualified leader at its head, which not only brings academic expertise, but will also bring in valuable perspectives as a member of the dicaster and the Korean Bishops' Conference. The Catholic community in both dioceses awaits the common activities and the exchange that will result from this appointment.