Political Leaders Mourn Pope Francis's Passing... Lee Jaemyung: "A Great Teacher to the World"

Kim Dongyeon: "We Have Lost a Bright Light"
Ahn Cheolsoo: "A Great Leader Who Practiced Love"

Following the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, politicians across the spectrum expressed their condolences.

Pope Francis is waving to the crowd while delivering the Easter message at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican on March 31 last year (local time). Photo by Yonhap News

Lee Jaemyung, former leader of the Democratic Party and a presidential primary candidate for the same party, wrote on his social media account (Facebook) that afternoon, "Pope Francis embodied the spirit of Christ," adding, "He offered great teachings not only to the Catholic Church but also to the entire world."

He continued, "I remember Pope Francis's concern for peace on the Korean Peninsula," and added, "I can never forget how he comforted the families of the Sewol ferry disaster victims by baptizing them."

Lee also said, "I keep close to my heart the Pope's words that 'politics is the highest form of charity for the common good, and politics is about serving people,'" and added, "I will strive to live out the Pope's appeal to allow more politicians to serve the socially disadvantaged and the poor."

Kim Dongyeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province and also a Democratic Party presidential primary candidate, wrote on Facebook, "We have lost a bright light that warmly embraced this imperfect and sorrowful world," and added, "He had a special connection with our country. In 2014, he visited Korea and comforted the families of the Sewol ferry disaster victims. In 2018, he encouraged former President Moon Jaein on the journey toward peace and the Korean Peninsula."

He further stated, "With the light left by the Pope, we will love one another and take steps toward a better world."

Ahn Cheolsoo, a presidential primary candidate for the People Power Party, wrote on Facebook, "Upon hearing the news of Pope Francis's passing, I express my deepest sorrow and heartfelt condolences."

Ahn said, "To all Catholic believers who are grieving, I offer my deepest sympathy as a fellow believer (Paul Hasang). Pope Francis was a great spiritual leader who practiced justice, peace, and love for the poor with his whole being."

He continued, "He consistently emphasized 'a church for the poor,' built communities with the marginalized, and made significant contributions to the preservation of the ecological environment, interfaith dialogue, and reconciliation. His words and actions will continue to live on in the conscience of humanity for a long time to come."

Hwang Jeonga, spokesperson for the Democratic Party, stated, "He lived a life true to his own words: 'We must embrace those who are very poor, weak, and considered unimportant,'" and added, "He strongly criticized the social structures that create poverty and appealed for the Church to step out onto the streets and not remain silent in the face of wrongdoing, rather than staying within the comfort of the sanctuary."

She continued, "Pope Francis visited Korea in 2014 to comfort the families of the Sewol ferry disaster victims who were in shock and grief, and he also showed deep interest and support for peace on the Korean Peninsula," adding, "I extend my deepest condolences to all Catholic believers who are mourning."