On the 21st, Acting President Han Duck-soo sent a telegram regarding the passing of Pope Francis.
Acting President Han noted that he sent a telegram to Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State of the Vatican, stating, "The government and people of the Republic of Korea share in the sorrow of Catholics around the world and convey our heartfelt condolences."
In the telegram, Acting President Han commemorated, "The Pope conveyed a message of love and solidarity to humanity through the teaching that 'we are all brothers and sisters' and dedicated his life to the poor and marginalized, practicing a life of peace and reconciliation."
He further remarked, "I believe that the Pope's announcement of 'Seoul, Republic of Korea' as the host city for the 2027 World Youth Day during the closing mass of the Lisbon World Youth Day in 2023, and his prayers for peace and unification on the Korean Peninsula during his visit to Korea in 2014 expressed a special affection and recognized Korea as a center for world peace."
He concluded by stating, "I will remember the teachings of love and peace that the Pope shared with the world, and I pray that his noble soul may find eternal rest and peace in the embrace of Jesus Christ."