Seoul Archdiocese Grows to 1,000 Priests with 26 New Ordinations

Seoul, February 14, 2025 – Amid a global shortage of priests, South Korea continues to emerge as a thriving center for vocations. The Archdiocese of Seoul celebrated the ordination of 26 new priests yesterday, bringing its total clergy count to exactly 1,000—a significant milestone for the local Church.  

Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-Taek presided over the solemn ordination ceremony, calling on the newly ordained priests to embrace their ministry with love and unwavering joy. He reminded them of their sacred duty to serve the people of God as collaborators of the bishop, emphasising the unity of the priesthood.  

With this achievement, the Archdiocese of Seoul now ministers to approximately 1.5 million Catholics, who make up 15 percent of the region’s total population.  

The steady rise in priestly vocations in South Korea stands in contrast to declining numbers in many parts of the world, reaffirming the nation’s growing role in the global Catholic Church.

By Catholic Connect Reporter