Pope Francis on first papal visit to South Korea in two decades

2014-08-14 17

Pope Francis greets journalists on his flight to Seoul.

It's the first Papal visit to South Korea in more than 20 years; the pontiff's first visit to Asia as leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

But surrounded by reporters, the death of an Italian cameraman in Gaza was at the top of his mind.

With head bowed, he called for a silent prayer...

...then urged journalists to promote peace in the face of violence around the world .

(SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE FRANCIS SAYING:

"I would like to thank you because your words always help to unite the world and please, I urge you to please send a message of peace. Please, try to always share the word of peace because what is happening now is terrible."

Touchdown in Seoul, the first day in a week-long visit where he'll meet with some of the country's five million catholics.

The Pope was greeted by South Korea's President, a delegation including two North Korean defectors, and families of some of the vic

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