Pope's North Korea Visit Hinges on Pyongyang's Stance, Cardinal Says

A potential visit by Pope Francis to North Korea hinges on the North's stance, according to Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-sik, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Clergy. He suggested that North Korea allowing at least two priests to reside there could help foster a positive atmosphere for such a visit.

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If North Korea allows at least two priests to reside in the country, I believe it would help create a favorable atmosphere.

The possibility of the Pope visiting North Korea is being cautiously discussed in light of the 2027 World Youth Day (WYD) event in Seoul. Pope Francis is expected to attend the main event, scheduled for August 3-8, 2027. Given the Pope's emphasis on peace on the Korean Peninsula, his attendance at WYD in Seoul has fueled speculation about a potential trip to the North.

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Last July, I received a proposal from President Yoon Suk-yeol asking, 'How about the Pope visiting North Korea during his trip to Seoul for WYD?' I conveyed this to the Pope.

Cardinal You revealed that he had conveyed a proposal for the Pope to visit North Korea coinciding with his trip to Seoul to President Yoon Suk-yeol last year. President Yoon reportedly reiterated this proposal during his visit to the Vatican on October 15, according to Cardinal You.

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I understand that President Yoon made the same proposal during his visit to the Vatican on October 15 (local time).