Incense Altar Set Up at Apostolic Nunciature in Korea: "Open to Public for Condolences"

An official incense altar to commemorate Pope Francis was set up at the Apostolic Nunciature in Korea, located in Gungjeong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, on April 23.

The incense altar set up at the Apostolic Nunciature in Korea. Apostolic Nunciature in Korea

The Apostolic Nunciature in Korea announced that the incense altar will be open to the public until April 25. Visiting hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The altar features a photograph of the Pope and a condolence book. However, unlike typical incense altars, incense will not be burned.

Another official incense altar was opened on April 22 in the underground chapel of Myeongdong Cathedral, the seat of the Archdiocese of Seoul. The Myeongdong Cathedral altar will be open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The altar at Myeongdong Cathedral will remain open until 5:00 p.m. on April 26, when the funeral Mass for Pope Francis will be held (10:00 a.m. local time at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican). The Archdiocese of Seoul also plans to hold a memorial Mass for Pope Francis at 10:00 a.m. on April 24 at Myeongdong Cathedral, with the diocesan bishops and priests concelebrating.

In addition to the official incense altars, each diocese may set up incense altars at their cathedrals at their own discretion. The Archdiocese of Daegu set up an altar at Gyesan Cathedral on April 22, and the Archdiocese of Gwangju will operate an altar starting April 24. The Dioceses of Chuncheon, Daejeon, and Wonju are also operating incense altars.