Pope Francis passed away on the 21st, aged 88. A memorial altar has been set up at Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul, where Catholic believers are mourning the loss of a pope who loved the world. Starting from the afternoon of the 22nd, the cathedral will open for public condolences. The Archdiocese of Seoul announced that Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung, along with other bishops, will lead the memorial service at 3 PM before the public can pay their respects. Plans for memorial services and incense burning at other nationwide churches will be decided after a meeting later in the day.
Believers visiting Myeongdong Cathedral have been quietly meditating, praying, and some in tears over the pope’s passing. A photo of Pope Francis smiling has been hung on the cathedral’s outer wall, and many are looking through his autobiography with tearful eyes. Pope Francis was the first pope from Latin America and was elected as the 266th pope in 2013, having served for 12 years. He was known for his progressive reforms within the Vatican. The pope’s death was announced by the Vatican a day after he delivered an Easter message to congregants gathered at St. Peter’s Square.