Jesus
was not only concerned about spiritual growth of persons but also growth of the
whole person, i.e. body and soul. For example, Jesus not only taught the crowds
on the meadows but he also fed them with bread and fish. Jesus also speaks
about buying and selling in the parable of the kingdom of God. He explains that
a person goes beyond to buy the precious stones; the person sells off and buys
the precious stone. Jesus never neglected the tax collectors despite the taboo
in the then society against them. In fact, Jesus embraced and called them to be
his disciples. Jesus very often spoke about money, like lost coin, master
giving denarii to the servants (talents). Hence it is clear that Jesus had a
special concern for economics and its impact in the lives of the people.
Recent
visit of the Pope to Korea showed a tremendous increase of faith among the
people of God. One priest exclaimed,
“pope visit is like a injection for our faith, he has created ripples in
our faith.” It is a clear sign of boom in the faith of the people. Pope Francis
touched the hearts of the people of Korea. It was really a blessing for the
Church in Korea during and after the visit of the Holy Father.
Holy
Father’s visit has created a ‘Francis Factor’ in Korea and impacted in the rise
of tourism in the country and the places where the Pope set his foot. The theme
for the tour of the Pope, “Healing Tour” has really effected in bringing about
a cultural and relaxing time for the people of Korea. It is a boost to the
Korean tourism.
How
has the visit of the Holy Father affected the economy of Korea? This is what I
am interested in. According to the Lastampa online magazine, the Pope’s visit
has given an economic push to the country in most possible ways. I am intrigued
to cast my imagination to the expenditure and returns of the visit of the Pope.
I don’t have data handy to explain, what is the incurred expenditure to the
Korea Church and the Korean government for the recently concluded Papal visit to
the country. It is noteworthy to think that when a well-known person like Pope
Francis visits, expenditure must be quite high, like his security, tour to
different parts of the country, pilgrims expenditure so on. Hence, it is a big
money enterprise.
Pope’s
visit also can impact on the returns of the country as it happened in Korea.
During the visit of the Pope the Korean economy increased in its profits. Hence
generating more income to the companies in Korea. According to the
Hyundai Research Institute in Seoul, the economic impact of the Pope’s presence
can be estimated to an increase of internal expenditure of 500 billion won
(around 491 million US dollars). It is a significantly positive sign for Korean
economy, that risks drying up: there has been a moderate increment in the
internal consumers demand – that the government has been trying to incentivise
for months – since over one million people and 100 thousands tourists have
travelled and paid to attend various events on the programme. The Chosun Ilbo,
the biggest Korean newspaper, confirms that the Papal visit has generated a
“mini-boom” for hotels, restaurants, shops, transports and local markets.
The
Korean sponsors are also rejoicing: the products that the Pope used have all
experienced a rise in sales and an undeniable impact on corporate image. An
example, above all, is Kia Motors: its model of city car called “Anima”, that
Francis used to travel around Korea, has registered a 62,5% rise in sales in
the month of August alone. The same goes for Seoksu mineral water, made by the
famous beverage company Hite Jinro, that talks about profits above their
investments (Lastampa online).
I am
inclined to think that Papal visit can bring a great economic profits to the
nation. Especially present Pope with his increasing popularity can create
opportunities to the big and small investors. Aforementioned profits by the big
companies can generate more job opportunities to the people because of the
demand being high (everyone would like say that they are using a brand of car
that is used by the Pope). Not to mention the rise in the profits of the small
investors, like the street vendors on the site of the tour. Hence, everyone is
satisfied in spirit and body. Everyone is benefitted both spiritually and
temporally. What are we waiting for, let us invite the Pope to our countries!
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