Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo visited Myeongdong Cathedral in central Seoul on Tuesday to pay tribute to Pope Francis, as the cathedral had prepared a condolence altar following the pontiff’s death the previous day.
According to the Prime Minister's Office, Han said after offering his respects, “The late Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, left behind a profound spiritual legacy and teachings for Catholics and people around the world.”
“We are deeply grateful for his humility, warmth, and unwavering love for the poor and the vulnerable,” he added.
Earlier on Monday, Han also conveyed the message in a letter of condolence sent to Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state.
“The pope shared a message of love and solidarity with humanity through his teaching that ‘we are all brothers and sisters,’” Han wrote. “He lived a life of peace and reconciliation, devoting himself to the poor and marginalized.”
Han also emphasized the pope’s close ties with Korea. He recalled Pope Francis’ 2014 visit to Seoul, during which he delivered a message of hope, and highlighted the announcement made during the 2023 World Youth Day in Lisbon that Seoul would host the 2027 edition of the event.
“This announcement expressed his deep affection for Korea and recognized Korea as a center for global peace,” Han said.
“We will remember his message of love and peace shared with the world,” he added, expressing his wish that the pope “may rest in eternal peace in the arms of Jesus Christ.”
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