Korean news agencies citing an announcement by the Korean papal preparatory committee are reporting that women forced to work at Japanese military brothels during World War II have been invited to a Mass that Pope Francis will celebrate on Aug. 18 during his planned visit to South Korea.
Addressing the “comfort women” – and possibly meeting with them – could have international implications, as the issue remains highly charged in Asia, a National Catholic Reporter blog says.
Around 200,000 women, mainly from Korea but also from Philippines, China, Taiwan and Indonesia among others, were forced into sexual slavery for imperial troops as Japan stormed across Asia before and during World War II.
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