With Pope Francis having passed away, a wave of mourning is also sweeping through the entertainment industry.
On the 21st, Kevin Farrell, the Cardinal Prefect of the Vatican Congregation, issued an official statement, saying, "Pope Francis returned to the Father's house at 7:35 a.m. today. He devoted his entire life to serving the Lord and the Church. He was the one who taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faith, courage, and universal love."
Pope Francis struggled with respiratory diseases, having been diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs during his lifetime. He had been hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli Hospital since Feb. 14 due to breathing difficulties, received high-flow oxygen therapy, and underwent blood transfusions for thrombocytopenia and anemia.
Since then, not only the global community but also the entertainment industry in Korea has been engulfed in sorrow. Actor Ryu Soo-young shared on his social media, "Last month, I was able to visit Rome and even St. Peter's Basilica for the first time in nearly 20 years due to work. While admiring and taking photos, I had thoughts akin to a riddle about culture and religion piled up in my mind, but soon forgot and boarded a train to my next destination," as he shared photos of St. Peter's Basilica.
He continued, "A great elder who spoke of violence and inequality throughout his life has passed away. A middle-aged man, caught up in his selfish pursuits on the opposite side of the globe, suddenly became dazed and melancholic. It's truly upsetting."
Bada also shared a photo of the Pope on the same day, stating, "Our beautiful Pope, who demonstrated and conveyed to us the power of prayer manifested in the mysteries of life and the purity of children in this chaotic age, I offer a small prayer of blessing on your way."
Soprano Jo Su-mi, who had a connection with the Pope, posted a photo taken with him and said, "The warm smile of the Pope, his gentle voice telling me that he liked my Bach album, and the rosary he handed me to give to my mother—all those moments remain unforgettable in my heart. Rest in peace."
[Photo] OSEN DB / SNS
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