Seoul: South Korean politicians joined in mourning Pope Francis' death Monday, vowing to carry forward his lifelong message of compassion for the poor and underprivileged. The bishop of Rome died on Easter Monday at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta, the Vatican announced.
According to Yonhap News Agency, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik expressed his sorrow on Facebook, highlighting Pope Francis as a friend of the poor and a comforter of the marginalized. Woo appreciated the pope's efforts for peace on the Korean Peninsula.
In a written statement, Hwang Jung-a, spokesperson for the main opposition Democratic Party (DP), conveyed messages of sorrow, recalling the pontiff's lifestyle that aligned with his words, emphasizing comfort for the weak and marginalized. Former DP leader Lee Jae-myung also shared his sadness over the sudden news, offering condolences and wishing the pope eternal peace. Lee emphasized the pontiff's message that politics is about serving the people and pledged to uphold that message for the socially weak.
The People Power Party (PPP) also expressed condolences. Interim leader Kwon Young-se remembered the pope's actions to promote world peace and his attention to the socially weak. Former PPP leader Han Dong-hoon, a potential presidential candidate, described the pope's life and messages as a compass for today's politics and committed to fostering a more inclusive society.
Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo, another potential PPP presidential candidate, recalled the pontiff's message that politics is "the highest form of charity," saying it has guided his life and mission.