SPOTLIGHT 25/04/24 Koreans flock to pay homage to Pope Francis

[성기화 요셉]

Many Koreans fondly remember the late pontiff's visit to South Korea in 2014, Church leaders say

A woman wipes tears during a Requiem Mass for Pope Francis at Myeongdong Cathedral in the South Korean capital Seoul on April 24. (Photo: Seoul Archdiocese)

By UCA News reporter

Published: April 24, 2025 11:14 AM GMT

Updated: April 24, 2025 11:39 AM GMT

Hundreds of Catholics in dioceses across South Korea flocked to churches to attend special Mass to pay their homage to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21.

Various dioceses held Masses in their designated parish churches on April 22-24, according to a message accompanying photos posted by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea (CBCK). Other dioceses are scheduled to hold memorial Masses on April 25-26.

In Myeongdong Cathedral of national capital Seoul, Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taickpresided over the Mass in presence of papal nuncio to Korea Archbishop Giovanni Gaspari, Auxiliary Bishop Job Yo-bi Koo, and Auxiliary Bishop Paul Kyung-sang Lee, says a press release from the archdiocese.

During his homily, Chung said Koreans mourn the demise of the pope, whose “bond with the Church in Korea was deep and heartfelt.”

“He showed us how to live out the Gospel with joy and love. Though we now bid him farewell, we are called to carry forward his legacy by embodying the Gospel in our daily lives and extending his love and mercy to others,” the prelate said.

He said Korean Catholics are grateful to Pope Francis for his remarkable visit in 2014 when he made history by beatifying Korean martyrs for the first time outside Rome.

He also joined and inspired young Asian Catholics during the Asian Youth Day and sent a powerful message: “Young people are not only the hope of tomorrow, but the Church of today,” Chung recalled.

The Korean Church is thankful to the pontiff for his constant prayer for peace and reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula.

Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Gaspari emphasized Catholics in Korea and across the world need to continue the pope’s “legacy of closeness and compassion.”

“Pope Francis will be remembered as the people’s Pope. His pastoral ministry was rooted in a personal encounter with Christ and in walking with the people of God across the world,” he said.“Even here in Korea, we witness this devotion—not only among Catholics, but also among people of other faiths and backgrounds, all moved by his humility, mercy, and his words that inspired us to do good,” the prelate added.

Leaders and representatives from other Christian denominations and diplomats also joined the event in Seoul.

Seoul Archdiocese has set up the official memorial altar for Pope Francis at the crypt of Myeongdong Cathedral, where people may pay their respects daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Saturday, April 26 — the day of the papal funeral.

Several national leaders, including Acting President Han Duck-soo, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yoo In-chon, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, presidential candidate Ahn Cheol-soo, and National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, paid a visit to the cathedral to pay respects to the pope.

Archbishop Chung is scheduled to travel to Rome to attend the funeral.

Meanwhile, the bishops’ conference has distributed a translated version of the prayer for Pope Francis issued by the Vatican.

The conference said the official incense burner for Pope Francis has been set up in the Apostolic Nunciature to Korea and at the Myeongdong Cathedral to allow all to pay their homage.

Other dioceses have been instructed to set up incense burners at their convenience.

It said a three-member delegation, including the conference president, Bishop Matthias Ri Long-hoon, will attend the pope’s funeral.

The conference also urged Catholics to pray for Pope Francis for nine days.