Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea presidential candidate, said on the 7th that he hopes "the white smoke of joy announcing the birth of a leader who will soothe the pain of the world" will rise as the conclave (the secret meeting of cardinals) to elect a new pope officially began at the Vatican.
The candidate noted in a post on Facebook that "I pray the election of a new pope will again become a precious opportunity for the church to guide the world’s crises with peace and hope." He explained that in the conclave, which is isolated from the outside, white smoke is released from a chimney once a new pope is elected.
He expressed that, while "the desire for a leader who will convey words of peace and love is fervent among all people around the world," the hearts of the South Korean people waiting for the new pope are particularly special. He added, "Cardinal Lazarus Yoo Heung-sik, who was the first Korean to be appointed as a Minister at the Vatican, will also participate in the conclave," stating, "This is why our citizens are paying more attention and interest in this conclave than ever before."
He said, "The Catholic Church has always been a shield protecting democracy, freedom, and justice throughout the trials of our history," adding, "Pope Francis, who longed for peace and unification between the two Koreas more than anyone else, wished for unification until the last moment."
The candidate also stated, "The remarkable democratic spirit and resilience shown by our citizens against the insurrection resonate deeply in a world divided and captured by extreme politics," and said, "The reconciliation and peace between South and North Korea, the world's only divided nation, will provide great enlightenment for conflicts and divisions globally." He further wished, "I hope the message of hope that South Korea conveys will resonate around the world through this conclave."