Vivid Memories of the 2014 Visit to Korea
"I Pray for His Eternal Rest"
Pope Francis, who led 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide for 12 years since 2013, has passed away at the age of 88. Former President Moon Jae-in expressed his condolences.
On April 21, former President Moon wrote on his Facebook page, "I deeply mourn the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis," adding, "The Pope was a symbol of mercy and peace to people around the world, and always demonstrated deep compassion and inclusiveness for the socially disadvantaged and those who suffer." He continued, "I vividly remember when he visited Korea in 2014, he embraced the families of the Sewol ferry disaster victims, saying that there is no neutrality in the face of suffering, and presided over Mass with a yellow ribbon pinned to his chest. The Pope also always prayed for peace on the Korean Peninsula."
Former President Moon also stated, "During my presidency, when I officially visited the Vatican twice, His Holiness actively supported our government's Korean Peninsula peace process and repeatedly expressed his willingness to visit North Korea in person for peace on the peninsula. Although my wish to meet him again on the Korean Peninsula, which I conveyed when I gifted him a cross made from barbed wire from the DMZ, did not come true, the Pope's encouragement and support for peace on the Korean Peninsula will remain in our hearts forever." He added, "I pray for the Pope's eternal rest."
Pope Francis demonstrated a deep interest in the issue of peace on the Korean Peninsula, choosing Korea as the first destination for his visit to Asia in 2014. At that time, he attempted to visit North Korea, but it did not materialize due to North Korea's passive stance. The Pope continued to express his intention to visit North Korea on several occasions, but it ultimately never happened. With the World Youth Day scheduled to be held in Seoul in 2027, there had been hope for a second visit by Pope Francis to Korea, but with his passing, this opportunity will now fall to his successor.
Meanwhile, Pope Francis's funeral is expected to be held in a simple manner, in accordance with his wishes during his lifetime. He had repeatedly stated that he wanted a dignified yet simplified ceremony, like that of any Christian.
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