(C) CAFOD

DAEJEON — Pope Leo XIV has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Sungsimdang, a historic bakery based in Daejeon, South Korea, in celebration of its 70th anniversary. The Pontiff lauded the establishment for its long-standing commitment to charitable work and its dedication to the marginalized.

According to industry sources on Wednesday, the congratulatory message, personally signed by the Pope, was delivered to the bakery by Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-sik, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Clergy, during his visit to South Korea last month.

"I extend my blessings to Sungsimdang, the historic bakery in Daejeon, as it celebrates its 70th anniversary with a heart full of gratitude to the Lord," the Pope stated in his message.

The Pontiff further commended the bakery’s socio-economic contributions, noting, "I pay deep tribute to the significant social and economic achievements Sungsimdang has made for the civic and church communities—particularly for the poorest among us—by promoting brotherhood and solidarity based on the 'Economy of Communion' model." He concluded by encouraging the establishment to continue its "exemplary activities."

Founded in 1956 as a small outdoor steamed bread stall near Daejeon Station, Sungsimdang has grown into one of South Korea’s most iconic bakeries. Despite its commercial success, the bakery has maintained a decades-long tradition of donating bread to those in need.

The relationship between the Holy See and Sungsimdang spans over a decade. In 2014, the bakery provided bread for Pope Francis during his apostolic visit to South Korea. In recognition of their service, CEO Lim Young-jin was awarded the Order of St. Gregory the Great in 2015, and his wife, Director Kim Mi-jin, received the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice in 2019.

The delivery of the message by Cardinal You Heung-sik adds a layer of local significance. Cardinal You has deep ties to the region, having served as the Bishop of the Diocese of Daejeon from 2005 to 2021 before being appointed to his current post at the Vatican.