South Korea: Acting President Honors Late Pope Francis
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Synopsis
Acting South Korean President Han Duck-soo honored the late Pope Francis at a memorial altar in Seoul, praising his commitment to the marginalized and poor. The Pope's death has prompted widespread mourning across South Korea, where he was seen as a compassionate leader advocating for peace and humanity.
Key Takeaways
- Han Duck-soo paid respects to Pope Francis at Myeongdong Cathedral.
- The Pope's legacy includes significant contributions to the Catholic Church.
- He advocated for the poor and socially marginalized throughout his life.
- Pope Francis expressed a desire for peace on the Korean Peninsula.
- His visit to South Korea had a lasting impact on its society.
Seoul, April 22 (NationPress) Acting South Korean President Han Duck-soo paid his respects at the memorial altar for the late Pope Francis on Tuesday, honoring the global Christian leader's commitment to the poor and marginalized.
"The Pope left a significant spiritual legacy and teachings of faith for the Catholic Church and believers worldwide," Han stated after offering incense at the memorial set up at Myeongdong Cathedral in central Seoul.
"We express our heartfelt gratitude and condolences. Pope Francis consistently lived a life of humility and simplicity, embodying love for the poor and socially marginalized," he continued.
In a condolence letter addressed to Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's Secretary of State, on Monday, Han remarked that the South Korean government and its citizens share in the grief with Catholics and other Christians globally.
The pontiff passed away on Monday at the age of 88 at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
The demise of Pope Francis, who long sought peace on the divided Korean Peninsula, sparked profound sadness among South Koreans. He was seen by both Christians and non-believers in the country as a spiritual figure radiating deep compassion and affection.
He selected South Korea as his inaugural destination in Asia after becoming Pope in 2013 and appointed two of the four Korean cardinals to date. Under his guidance, Seoul was chosen to host the 2027 World Youth Day, making it the second Asian nation to hold the global event after the Philippines in 1995.
Pope Francis also maintained a close rapport with South Korean Presidents, consistently demonstrating a strong commitment to peace on the Korean Peninsula and inter-Korean relations.
During his five-day visit to South Korea in 2014, he engaged with marginalized individuals, including victims of Japan's wartime sexual slavery—often referred to as “comfort women”—as well as those with disabilities.
He provided solace and instilled hope in Korean society with his humble demeanor, leaving a memorable impact on many.
"I wished to meet him again and express my gratitude in person," said Kim Young-oh, the father of a victim from the Sewol ferry disaster, to Yonhap News Agency on Monday regarding the Pope's passing.
He had met the Pope in August 2014 on the 34th day of his hunger strike seeking the truth behind the tragic sinking that resulted in the deaths of 304 individuals that April.
"When I felt abandoned, the Pope was the one who gave us strength," he recalled, noting that their encounter garnered widespread media attention.
The news of the pontiff's death brought tears to Lee Young-su, an activist and one of the Comfort Women.
"He must have gone to a good place," she remarked.
The Pope had invited seven Comfort Women to the front row during his Mass at Myeongdong Cathedral, the last event of his visit to South Korea.
"Meeting him brought me immense peace, yet I am saddened that I couldn't see him again," she expressed, adding, "He was a person who only did good deeds. I will pray for him."
Ven. Jinwoo, the leader of South Korea's largest Buddhist sect, the Jogye Order, also mourned the passing of Pope Francis, extending his "deepest condolences" to Catholics and Christians around the globe.
"The Pope transcended religious boundaries and shared in humanity's suffering with humility and compassion," he stated.
As early as September last year, Pope Francis voiced concerns regarding the ongoing division of the Korean Peninsula during a meeting with South Korean Bishops at the Vatican.
During that meeting, he focused on the upcoming World Youth Day, an international Catholic youth gathering scheduled for Seoul in 2027. He encouraged Korean Bishops to engage with young people actively and listen to their voices, emphasizing the lessons to be learned from them.
The Pope also expressed concern over the treatment of rural communities and the elderly in South Korea, urging individuals to adopt practical measures to safeguard the environment in their daily lives.
Whenever the nation faced significant tragedies—such as the crowd crush in Seoul's Itaewon in 2022 that claimed 159 lives and the plane crash in Muan in December that resulted in 179 fatalities—the Pope consistently offered words of comfort and prayers.
As recently as last month, he expressed concern over the wildfires that ravaged the southeastern regions of South Korea and sent condolences to those mourning their lost loved ones.
Pope Francis reiterated his willingness to visit North Korea on several occasions, stating he would go if invited. Former South Korean President Moon Jae-in, a Catholic, met with him twice, in 2018 and 2021, during discussions about a potential papal visit to Pyongyang.
