Following a tragic plane crash that claimed nearly 200 lives, South Korea's bishops are calling for urgent improvements to aviation safety. On December 29, 2024, a Boeing 737-800, en route from Thailand to South Korea with 181 passengers aboard, crashed upon arrival. Tragically, everyone on board was killed, with the exception of two flight attendants who were rescued from the wreckage. This devastating event marks the deadliest aviation disaster in South Korea’s history.

In response to the catastrophe, Pope Francis offered his prayers during the Sunday Angelus, expressing his sympathy for the families affected by the crash. “My thoughts turn to the many families in South Korea who are mourning today following the dramatic air accident,” he said, adding, "I join in prayer for the survivors and for the departed."

Since the tragedy, there has been an outcry over how such a disaster could have occurred. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea, led by Bishop Mathias Ri Iong-hoon, issued a statement calling for better safety measures. The bishops acknowledged the advancements in science and technology that enrich lives, but also recognized the new risks they bring. "While it is not possible to completely prevent all of these hazards, it is the role of stakeholders and government authorities to eliminate them as best they can," they stated.

The bishops also called for authorities to prioritize improving safety over assigning blame as the investigation continues. They emphasized that efforts should focus on preventing similar tragedies in the future. In their statement, they expressed the hope that, in the face of immense grief, "the merciful God will embrace the souls of the victims and touch the pain and wounds of bereaved families," acknowledging that no words can fully comfort those suffering.