Archbishop Peter Soon-Taick Chung of Seoul recalled Pope Francis’s strong connection with young people during a Memorial Mass held Thursday morning, April 24, at Myeongdong Cathedral.
The liturgy was offered in remembrance of the pontiff, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88.
“During his 2014 visit, he presided over a beatification ceremony for Korean martyrs—the first ever held outside Rome—and addressed young people at the Asian Youth Day with the powerful message: ‘Young people are not only the hope of tomorrow, but the Church of today,’” Archbishop Chung said in his homily.
The memorial liturgy began at 10 a.m. and was concelebrated by Apostolic Nuncio to Korea Archbishop Giovanni Gaspari, Auxiliary Bishop Job Yo-bi Koo, and Auxiliary Bishop Paul Kyung-sang Lee. The service brought together clergy, diplomats, and the faithful in honoring the spiritual legacy of the late Pope.
“Today, with heavy hearts, we share the news of the passing of Pope Francis and join together in prayer. Yet, even in our sorrow, we hold fast to the hope that he has now entered into eternal life, illuminated by the light of the Lord’s Resurrection,” said Archbishop Chung.
“He showed us how to live out the Gospel with joy and love. Though we now bid him farewell, we are called to carry forward his legacy by embodying the Gospel in our daily lives and extending his love and mercy to others,” he added.
The archbishop also highlighted Pope Francis’s deep pastoral connection with the Church in Korea and his concern for peace on the peninsula.
“His bond with the Church in Korea was deep and heartfelt. During his 2014 visit, he presided over a beatification ceremony for Korean martyrs—the first ever held outside Rome—and addressed young people at the Asian Youth Day with the powerful message: ‘Young people are not only the hope of tomorrow, but the Church of today.’”
“Pope Francis prayed tirelessly for peace and reconciliation. At the WYD Cross Handover Ceremony in November 2024, he expressed his heartfelt desire to return to Korea once more,” he said.
Representing the Holy See, Archbishop Gaspari described the late pontiff as a pastor who was committed to walking with the people.
“Pope Francis will be remembered as the people’s Pope. His pastoral ministry was rooted in a personal encounter with Christ and in walking with the people of God across the world,” he said.
“Even here in Korea, we witness this devotion — not only among Catholics, but also among people of other faiths and backgrounds, all moved by his humility, mercy, and his words that inspired us to do good,” Gaspari added.
Among those present at the Mass were Archbishop Ambrosios Zografos of the Korean Orthodox Church and the Ambassadors of Italy and Costa Rica.
Following the Mass, the Archdiocese of Seoul opened a public memorial altar at the crypt of Myeongdong Cathedral, where the faithful may pay their respects daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. until Saturday, April 26.
The same day, Pope Francis’s funeral will be held at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Archbishop Chung will travel to Rome to represent the Archdiocese at the funeral rites.
Since the announcement of the Pope’s death, various national and local leaders have visited the memorial site in Seoul.
On April 22, Acting President Han Duck-soo, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yoo In-chon, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, and presidential candidate Ahn Cheol-soo offered their respects.
On April 23, visits continued with National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, Archbishop Ambrosios Zografos, Jogye Order’s Director of Social Affairs Ven. Jin-gyeong, and Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung.
