Pope Francis is scheduled to hold four masses in South Korea from August 14 to 18 next week--complete with a cute ride! Unfortunately, two of his four masses may not be executed as planned due to ongoing Sewol Ferry protests and tension between North and South Korea.

The first mass in question is to be held in Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul on August 16. On this date, the Pope will be beatifying 124 Korean Catholic martyrs who were executed in the late 18th century. Sewol Ferry victims and protesters, however, are taking up that very spot to this day and are refusing to budge until the government acknowledges their complaints. These protesters are waiting for the government to pass a bill that will allow a full, independent inquiry into the Sewol Ferry incident. The bill is currently stuck in the National Assembly as members debate over what inquiries should be given legal power. The protesters have written a letter to the Pope asking for his understanding and his support.

As for the second mass, titled "Holy Mass for Peace and Reconciliation", it is scheduled to be held at the Myeong-dong Cathedral in Seoul. As the title suggests, it is meant to promote "peace and reconciliation" between North and South Korea, and the Catholic association of North Korea has been invited. The association has declined the invitation however, possibly due to North Korea's opposition against South Korea's and US's annual military drills, which will be held on the same date. North Korea has expressed before that it feels threatened by such drills, while the US and South Korea has maintained that these drills are for defensive purposes only.  

It is unfortunate that the Pope's first visit to Korea may run into some setbacks, but hopefully it does not take away from the experience for the five million Catholics in Korea anticipating the Pope's arrival.