S. Korea’s President Seeks Pope Leo Visit to N. Korea for Peace
(MENAFN) South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Monday expressed hopes that Pope Leo XIV would make an unprecedented visit to North Korea, framing it as a powerful symbol for peace across the Korean Peninsula, according to media.
The appeal came during Lee’s first official meeting with a religious leader since taking office on June 3. In talks with Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik, the two discussed the feasibility of the pontiff traveling to the reclusive North.
Cardinal You, the first Korean to serve as Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Clergy, stated that Pope Leo XIV “is widely expected” to attend World Youth Day in South Korea in 2027.
During the meeting, You extended a formal invitation for President Lee to visit the Vatican. Lee replied he would gladly accept the chance to meet with the pope ahead of the global Catholic event.
According to media, Lee voiced his aspiration that the pontiff “might consider visiting North Korea en route to South Korea as a symbolic gesture to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula.”
He added, “While the Catholic Church has shown particular interest in peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, I hope the Holy See can make a special contribution to improving inter-Korean relations even before 2027.”
While both Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis have previously traveled to South Korea, no pope has ever visited the North.
Just days earlier, Cardinal You suggested Pope Leo XIV might also help bridge tensions between Washington and Pyongyang.
“Since the pope is American, I believe he could play an important role in improving US-North Korea relations and in advancing peace on the Korean Peninsula. I think he has the potential to make a big impact on inter-Korean affairs,” You stated at a press conference held by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea in Seoul.
The Korean Peninsula has technically remained in a state of war since the 1950-53 conflict ended in a ceasefire rather than a peace treaty.
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