Seoul's new cardinal has expressed his appreciation for the selfless efforts shown by the doctors and nurses of the Catholic Medical Center in the continuing effort to stem the outbreak of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in South Korea.

Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung, who was recently elevated to his post, lauded the medical professionals' unwavering service despite the threat of the viral respiratory illnesss, the Catholic News Agency wrote.

"The medical team of CMC (Catholic Medical Center) has played a critical role in bringing an end to the MERS crisis," said the cardinal while visiting the St. Mary's Hospital at the Catholic University of Korea on July 18.

"You have shown real courage in dreadful situations and truly lived out the spirit of the hospital founded in respect for human beings."

As of July 13, South Korea has 185 confirmed cases of the deadly MERS-CoV, compared to China with only one, according to the World Health Organisation. There have been 36 deaths in the current outbreak.

Hundreds of Koreans remain under quarantine while almost 2,500 schools were temporarily closed at the beginning of the outbreak.

Only a few hospitals have accepted suspected MERS-CoV patients. They include St. Mary's Hospital and other affiliates of the Archdiocese of Seoul's Catholic Medical Center.

Last month, the government hailed the Catholic Medical Center, calling it the "trustworthy hospital of Korea" for its response to the virus' outbreak.

Cardinal Yeom met and gave rosaries to each of some 15 doctors, nurses, and staff who had direct contact with patients.

He also urged them to "always give their best effort with a prayerful heart."

The cardinal vowed to pray for the medical workers.

Following the public health guidelines issued by South Korean authorities that included wearing masks, the cardinal, too, wore a mask during his meeting with the medical staff at the hospital.

"I seldom wear a mask and I am already feeling the discomfort," the cardinal said. "Imagine how much discomfort the medical team has to endure while taking care of the patients in the protective suit."