Governor Kim Youngrok of Jeollanam-do Pays Tribute to Pope Francis

Governor Kim Youngrok Pays Respects at Memorial Altar
for Pope Francis at Gwangju Archdiocese Cathedral

Jeollanam-do Governor Kim Youngrok is paying respects at the Pope Francis memorial altar set up at the Gwangju Archdiocese Cathedral on the 26th. Provided by Jeonnam Province

Jeollanam-do Governor Kim Youngrok visited the memorial altar for Pope Francis set up at the Gwangju Archdiocese Cathedral on the 26th to pay his respects.

Governor Kim stated, "Together with all the residents of Jeollanam-do, I deeply mourn the passing of Pope Francis, who was a friend to the poor and a spiritual beacon for people around the world," and pledged, "By carrying on the Pope's noble legacy, we will do our utmost to care for the most vulnerable and create a loving community where all residents can be happy."

After paying his respects, Governor Kim Youngrok met with Archbishop Ok Hyunjin, head of the Gwangju Archdiocese, to discuss Pope Francis's spirit of love for the poor, his message of peace, the relationship with Jeollanam-do, and the future direction to pursue.

Pope Francis visited Korea in 2014 to comfort the surviving students and bereaved families of the Sewol ferry disaster, offered prayers for peace on the Korean Peninsula during the Kim Daejung Peace Conference in 2021, and sent a message of condolence following the Jeju Air disaster last year.

Archbishop Ok expressed interest in current issues facing Jeollanam-do, including the post-Jeju Air disaster recovery process (such as special legislation), the relocation of the Gwangju military airport, and the establishment of the Solaseado AI Supercluster Hub.

He added, "Pope Francis fought against evil and injustice, but always maintained a gentle and humorous demeanor, exercising authority not through power but through servant leadership," and continued, "I hope politicians will practice good governance by coming up with ideas and serving so that residents and citizens can comfortably benefit."

Governor Kim expressed his gratitude for the role the Gwangju Archdiocese has played in building a better local community through neighborly love, especially noting its support for Jeollanam-do and its efforts to comfort the families of victims by visiting the site of the Jeju Air disaster in person.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.