Myeongdong Cathedral to host memorial altar for late Pope Francis

SEOUL, April 22 (Yonhap) -- A memorial altar for the late Pope Francis will be set up at Myeongdong Cathedral for the public to pay tribute, the Archdiocese of Seoul said Tuesday.

Following a private moment of prayer by Catholic leaders, including Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung and Archbishop of Seoul Archdiocese Peter Chung Soon-taick, the general public will be welcomed to pay their respects starting at 3 p.m. Tuesday. The pontiff passed away on Monday at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta.

The duration the altar will remain open has not yet been determined, but it will coincide with the official funeral schedule, which will be announced by the Vatican, according to an official from the Archdiocese.
 

A picture of Pope Francis is hung on the outer wall of Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul on April 22, 2025. (Yonhap)