40th anniversary. (News in Brief: Korea).

Seoul--Forty years have passed since the apostolic vicariates of the Church in South Korea were promoted to dioceses. Despite a steady structural and financial growth since then, the anniversary has prompted much soul searching. Problems such as fewer baptisms and participants in the sacraments and a growing bureaucratic mentality among the clergy have been noted.

Catholic theologians have called for a revitalization among both clergy and laity, with an emphasis on the sanctification of priests. South Korea presently has over four million Catholics among 15 dioceses.

Pope John Paul, receiving the new South Korean ambassador to the Vatican on March 14, recommended the observance of the two key principles of dialogue and solidarity during the process of reconciliation between North and South Korea.

The reconciliation process, initiated in 2000 by South Korean Catholic president Kim Dae-Jung, resulted from his meeting with Kim Jon Il, the communist leader of North Korea. One of Kim Dae-Jung's concerns in launching it was the fact that many Korean families has been separated by the 38th parallel, the border which divides North from South Korea. Some people have since been able to reunite with relatives after almost 50 years of separation.

Recognizing that the process was "at a very delicate stage," the Pope urged the two nations not to let outside concerns interfere.

(Note: President Kim Dae-Jung was awarded the Nobel Peace Price in 2000 for his reconciliation efforts).