South Korean celebrities are expressing heartfelt condolences following the death of Pope Francis on April 21st.
Kim Hye Soo paid tribute by sharing a photo of Pope Francis on Instagram on April 21st.
Soprano Sumi Jo posted a photo taken with the Pope during his 2014 visit to South Korea, writing, “Pope Francis’ warm smile, his gentle voice as he told me he enjoyed my Bach album, and even the rosary he handed me, saying it was for my mother… Every moment remains deeply in my heart and will never be forgotten. Rest in peace. Teresa.” A devout Catholic, Jo canceled an overseas engagement to attend a special Mass during the Pope’s visit.
Ryu Soo Young shared a photo from his visit to St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and wrote, “A great figure who spoke out against violence and inequality throughout his life has passed away.”
Singer Bada expressed her condolences, saying, “He was someone who showed us the power and purity of prayer.”
Jung Il Woo honored the Pope by sharing a photo of him on Instagram with a short message: “Pray for you.”
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Son Na Eun , a former Apink member and now an actress, joined in mourning by posting a prayer emoji.
TV personality Choi Hee wrote, “Dear Pope, please rest peacefully by the Lord’s side and watch over us.”
Popera tenor Lim Hyung Joo, who met the Pope in Mongolia in September 2023, shared a heartfelt message: “He was someone who delivered messages of world peace until his final days.” Renowned Korean soprano Im Sun Hae also offered prayers, saying, “He returned to the Father’s house on Easter morning.”
Known as the “Father of the Poor,” Pope Francis left a final wish to be buried not in a grand cathedral but in a simple church outside the Vatican.
The news has been especially heartbreaking, as the Pope had recently recovered from a severe bout of pneumonia and resumed his duties after returning to the Vatican.
Meanwhile, the Vatican has announced that the Pope’s body will lie in repose at the chapel of the Santa Marta residence for a few days before being moved to St. Peter’s Basilica as early as April 23, where the public can pay their respects.
