Mourners line up at the Pope Francis' lying in state set up in the basement of Myeongdong Cathedral in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 22nd. /Courtesy of Yonhap News

"I feel like the rain is a blessing. It's sad, but it's joyful. It seems like the Pope is blessing us next to God."

Sister Jeong Moon-ja (76), who met in front of the funeral altar for Pope Francis at Myeongdong Cathedral in Jung-gu, Seoul, at 3 p.m. on the 22nd, said this. Sister Jeong noted, "The Pope will pray next to God for the world to become a peaceful place," and added, "He is someone who received God's special love." As she continued speaking, she wiped her flowing tears with a handkerchief.

The Vatican announced that Pope Francis passed away at 7:35 a.m. (local time) on the 21st. The Archdiocese of Seoul created a funeral altar for the late Pope Francis in the underground chapel of the Cathedral of Myeongdong that day, allowing the general public to mourn the Pope.

Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung and Archbishop Jung Soon-taek, along with the bishops of the Archdiocese of Seoul, visit the Pope Francis' lying in state set up in the basement of Myeongdong Cathedral to pay their respects on the 22nd. /Courtesy of News1

The Archdiocese of Seoul announced that the public could visit the funeral altar starting at 3 p.m., but many citizens were already lined up waiting before that. At around 1:30 p.m., about 30 citizens were seated in the Cathedral of Myeongdong, honoring the Pope. Large raindrops were falling, but by 3 p.m., about 200 citizens were lined up with umbrellas, waiting their turn in a line approximately 70 meters long.

Citizens visiting the funeral altar mourned while recalling the life of Pope Francis. Kim Bong-ran (65), who was in line with reddened eyes, said, "The Pope was a strong support I could spiritually lean on," adding, "I hope he has fulfilled all the wishes he couldn't accomplish in heaven." Kim paused, choking up, and said, "I feel like going to the Vatican."

In Yu-ri-el (48) said, "It seems that after Easter, he passed away as if God had prepared for him," and added, "He was someone who was friendly and had many admirable qualities." Yoon Sophia (44), who had been at Myeongdong Cathedral since the Mass held at 10 a.m. that day, noted, "He showed love, such as taking care of abandoned children, and it's unfortunate that he was often in pain and prayed a lot."

Catholic believers who want to commemorate Pope Francis line up at the memorial set up in Myeongdong Cathedral in Jung-gu, Seoul on the afternoon of the 22nd. /Courtesy of News1

Around 3 p.m. that day, Major Catholic figures, including Cardinal Yeom Soo-jung and Archbishop Jeong Soon-taek of the Archdiocese of Seoul, as well as Acting Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, visited the funeral altar. Acting Prime Minister Han expressed deep gratitude and condolences to the late Pope Francis, saying, "He always practiced love for the poor and the socially disadvantaged with a humble and unassuming demeanor."

Pope Francis was elected as the 266th pope in March 2013 and served for 12 years. He lived a life emphasizing compassion and solidarity for the poor and marginalized as the first pope from Latin America.

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