Kang Gijung and Kim Youngrok Express Condolences on the Passing of Pope Francis

“A Friend to Those Who Suffer... We Will Remember”

A photo of Pope Francis, who led 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide for 12 years since 2013 and passed away at the age of 88, is displayed on the exterior wall of the Spirituality Center building inside Myeongdong Cathedral in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 21st. Photo by Yonhap News

Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijung and South Jeolla Province Governor Kim Youngrok expressed their deep condolences upon hearing the news of Pope Francis's passing.

On the previous day, Mayor Kang stated on his social media, "Pope Francis has returned to the house of the Father. I offer my deepest condolences."

He recalled, "The Pope, who was a friend to those who suffered and an apostle of peace throughout his life, held the hands of victims of the 'comfort women' issue, the Yongsan tragedy, and the Sewol ferry disaster. He said, 'We cannot remain neutral in the face of their suffering.'" Kang pledged, "Following his teachings, I will not turn a blind eye to the pain of others, nor will I remain silent in the face of injustice."

Governor Kim also expressed his condolences on social media the same day, saying, "Pope Francis, who was a great spiritual light for humanity, has returned to God. Together with the people of South Jeolla Province, I express my deepest sympathy."

Governor Kim noted, "The Pope lived his entire life as a 'friend of the poor' and practiced the gospel that 'what you do for the least of these, you do for me.' The moments he shared with the Sewol ferry victims' families in 2014, the prayers he sent for the Kim Daejung Peace Conference in 2021, and the message of comfort he delivered after the Jeju Air tragedy last year?these footprints of the Pope will remain forever in our memories." He emphasized, "I will strive to care for the most vulnerable first and to build a better community. South Jeolla Province will not forget and will continue the Pope's noble legacy."

Meanwhile, Pope Francis passed away at 7:35 a.m. (local time) the previous day at Domus Sanctae Marthae, his residence in Vatican City, at the age of 88. The Vatican announced that the cause of death was a coma due to a stroke, followed by cardiac arrest. On the day before his passing, Easter Sunday, the Pope made his final public appearance at Mass in St. Peter's Square. Since his election in 2013, Pope Francis served for 12 years, earning global respect for his progressive actions such as solidarity with the poor, addressing the climate crisis, and embracing sexual minorities.