Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung, the archbishop of Seoul, is congratulating the nation's Buddhists ahead of Buddha's Birthday on May 14th.

In a message delivered to the Administrative Headquarters of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism on Tuesday, the cardinal prayed that Buddha's mercy may spread far and wide to bear good fruit.

He wished the spirit of Buddha's compassion may touch and move society suffering from division, conflict and selfishness.

Cardinal Yeom added that he sincerely hopes the Buddhist value of mercy and Jesus Christ's commandment of love will echo throughout to create a peaceful world.