President Lee Meets Pope Leo XIV, Focus on Korean Peninsula Peace

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung held a private audience with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on June 15 (local time), the first such meeting between a South Korean president and a Pope in approximately five years. The meeting followed a special Mass for peace and solidarity held at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.

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I am confident that the spark of hope is still alive.

Lee is expected to convey South Korea's active commitment to international peace and request the Pope's engagement in promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula. A key point of discussion is the potential for Pope Leo XIV to visit North Korea, possibly coinciding with the 2027 World Youth Day event in Seoul. This would be the first papal visit to North Korea and the second time the event is held in an Asian nation.

However, the prospect of a papal visit to North Korea faces challenges due to the current strained inter-Korean relations, a stark contrast to the period of détente during the previous administration. Former President Moon Jae-in had also conveyed a desire for a papal visit to North Korea, but logistical issues and North Korea's invitation process prevented its realization.

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We will continue to make steady efforts to prevent accidental clashes between the two Koreas and restore military trust.

During a speech at the special Mass, President Lee referenced the June 15 Inter-Korean Joint Declaration, expressing confidence in the enduring hope for peace. He pledged continued efforts to prevent accidental clashes and restore military trust, aiming to build a sustainable peace system beyond the armistice. Lee also appealed for the Vatican's interest and constructive role in enabling young people from around the world to gather, transcending borders and barriers.

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I hope that young people from all over the world can gather here, transcending the boundaries of front lines, barbed wire, and borders, and I request the Vatican's interest and constructive role in this.