Pope Francis met with families of the Sewol ferry victims during a parade held before Saturday’s beatification Mass in downtown Seoul.
 
As the pope made his way around the crowd gathered at Gwanghwamun Plaza, he stopped briefly and consoled a group of the family members in attendance.
 
Kim Yeong-oh, who lost his daughter in the ferry sinking, held the pope’s hand and gave him a letter, asking for the pope’s support for a special bill aimed at revealing the truth behind the maritime tragedy. 
 
Kim has been on a hunger strike for over a month calling for the legislation of the special bill.  
 
Some 400 family members of the Sewol victims attended Saturday’s Mass at Gwanghwamun Plaza where 124 Korean martyrs were beatified.