On its 70th anniversary, the historic EoC bakery Sung Sim Dang in Daejeon, South Korea, received a special message from Pope Leo XIV.
With his message, Pope Leo wanted to express his gratitude and encouragement for the path of sharing and fraternity that the South Korean company has been pursuing for decades, embodying the values of the Gospel and the Economy of Communion in economic life. The message was delivered personally by Cardinal Yu Heung-sik during a recent visit to the country.
In the text, dated December 16, 2025, Pope Leo XIV writes:
«With a heart grateful to the Lord, I extend my blessing to Sungsimdang, the historic bakery in Daejeon celebrating its 70th anniversary. I deeply praise the significant social and economic achievements made over the years, especially in favor of the poorest, promoting fraternity and mutual aid according to the model of an ‘economy for all'.».
These words explicitly recognize the company's commitment to living the Economy of Communion as a business model.
Sungsimdang, whose name means “Sacred Heart,” has always been linked to a Christian vision of the economy: bread donated every day to the most vulnerable, attention to the local community, and a choice to grow without sacrificing justice and care for people. As the Korean press also recalls, the bakery has become a national landmark, achieving important economic milestones over the years without ever abandoning the logic of gift and reciprocity.
The link with Cardinal Yu Heung-sik dates back to the 1980s, when the future Vatican prefect was parish priest in the church located right in front of the bakery. Since then, he has closely accompanied the company's journey, supporting its witness. It was also thanks to him that, during Pope Francis' visit to Korea in 2014, Sungsimdang bread was served for breakfast to the papal delegation.
CEO Lim Young-jin, interviewed recently, said that the company's guiding principle has remained unchanged since its inception:
«From the time we sold steamed buns in a tent in front of Daejeon Station to the present day, our only desire has been to improve the world around us through our way of life. This belief has become the cornerstone of the company and underpins its philosophy of managing an ‘economy for all’. For us, bread is not only a means of sustenance, but also a value and a driving force for strengthening the local economy, building a community based on love, and addressing the problem of poverty.».
Pope Leo XIV's message comes at a significant moment: Sungsimdang is preparing to inaugurate a new phase in its history with a vision and relaunch ceremony. The Pope's blessing is not only a recognition, but also an encouragement to continue to be a concrete sign of an economy that puts people, community, and sharing at the center. An example that, born in a small shop in Daejeon, today speaks to the Church and the whole world.
In this video published in 2016, revisit the story of this very special EoC company.