National Assembly Speaker Woo Wonshik expressed his condolences on April 21, shortly after news of Pope Francis's passing was announced, stating, "I feel deep sorrow," and added, "I share the grief of the Korean people at the loss of a spiritual leader who, beyond religion, was loved and respected by countless people around the world."
Speaker Woo said, "Pope Francis was a friend to the poor and a comforter to the marginalized. He was a reformer who stood against corruption and inequality, and an apostle of peace who did not shy away from places of war and conflict."
On September 12 last year (local time), Pope Francis celebrated Mass at the Singapore National Stadium during his visit to Singapore. Photo by Yonhap News
He continued, "In particular, we remember when Pope Francis visited Korea in 2014, he met and comforted the families of the Sewol ferry victims and said, 'In the face of the suffering of the bereaved, I could not remain neutral. Through consolation, we can stand in solidarity.'"
He further explained, "I am deeply grateful for the Pope's special efforts for peace on the Korean Peninsula, as he issued several messages on the occasion of inter-Korean and North Korea-U.S. summits."
Speaker Woo added, "I will keep in my heart the teaching that 'to learn how to live, one must learn how to love,' and I will continue the legacy of love left by the Pope. I pray that he may rest in eternal peace in the embrace of God."
Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon also paid tribute to Pope Francis, saying, "I will remember the journey of the Pope, who lived as a friend to the poor, an apostle of peace, and the conscience of our times."
On his social media (SNS) Facebook page, Mayor Oh wrote, "Until his last moments, the Pope prayed for an end to war and earnestly appealed for the flame of peace not to be extinguished. I will strive to make this city we live in a warmer and more peaceful place. I pray for his eternal rest."
Lee Junseok, presidential candidate of the Reform Party, also expressed his deep condolences for the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis via Facebook.
He said, "The Pope’s love for the poor and the weak, and his humble steps, were a beacon for all humanity. I, Lee Junseok Andrea, will engrave the Pope's will in my heart and strive to move toward those in need. I pray for his eternal rest."
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