Bishop Lee Yonghoon of the Catholic Bishops' Conference Expresses Gratitude to Those Who Paid Tribute to the Pope

Lee Yonghoon, President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea,
Issues Message of Thanks
Expresses Gratitude for the Procession of Remembrance Following the Passing of the Pope on April 21

"Together with Catholics across the country, the bishops of the Catholic Church in Korea bow their heads in deep gratitude to everyone who has paid tribute to the Pope."

Bishop Lee Yonghoon, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea, expressed his gratitude on May 5 to those who paid tribute to Pope Francis following his passing.

The funeral hall for Pope Francis set up at Myeongdong Cathedral. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Regarding the ongoing procession of mourners in Korea for Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 (local time), he stated in a message titled "Message of Thanks from the President of the Bishops' Conference for the Remembrance of His Holiness Pope Francis" that, "Regardless of religious affiliation, those who visited the incense altars, offered condolences, and sent messages of sympathy have provided us with great comfort and strength."

Bishop Lee also expressed his appreciation to everyone who worked to receive mourners at the Myeongdong Cathedral, the Apostolic Nunciature in Korea, and incense altars in each diocese, as well as to members of the media who reported promptly and in detail on the Pope's passing and funeral Mass.

He added, "Pope Francis, who appealed for peace by calling to 'end the war' until the day before his passing, has now left us, but his teachings will continue to echo in our hearts and guide us forward. I pray for the eternal rest of Pope Francis."