South Korean President Reportedly Suggests Papal Visit to North Korea

During a state visit to the Vatican, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung reportedly proposed that Pope Leo XIV visit North Korea, emphasizing the need for peace on the Korean Peninsula. The suggestion was made during a private, 30-minute meeting with the Pope at the Vatican's Apostolic Palace.

“

Lee informed His Holiness of the South Korean people’s fervent desire for peace on the Korean Peninsula, as well as giving an overview of the government’s initiatives to facilitate peace.

According to Blue House national security adviser Wi Sung-lac, Lee informed the Pope of the South Korean people's "fervent desire for peace" and outlined government initiatives to facilitate it. The Vatican, in turn, reaffirmed its "unwavering support and interest in the goal of peace and reconciliation on the peninsula."

President Lee also extended a formal invitation for Pope Leo XIV to visit South Korea for World Youth Day in 2027, a major global Catholic youth festival scheduled to be held in Seoul. Both Lee and the Pope agreed to cooperate closely for the event's success. A senior Blue House official described the Vatican's message of reconciliation as "very meaningful," suggesting that a papal visit to South Korea during World Youth Day could bolster peace initiatives.

“

Lee and His Holiness have decided to cooperate closely for the sake of the successful hosting of World Youth Day in 2027. The president officially invited His Holiness to visit South Korea on that occasion.

Details regarding the Pope's reaction to the North Korea visit suggestion remain unclear, as he is described as a listener rather than a conversationalist. A senior Blue House official noted the complexity of arranging such a visit, which would require a formal invitation from North Korea. This is not the first time President Lee has raised the possibility of a papal visit to the North; he previously mentioned it last July when meeting with Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-sik, suggesting it could support peace on the Korean Peninsula.

“

It is said that the pope is not a conversationalist who treats discussions like a back-and-forth but usually sits back to listen. We are unaware of how he reacted to this suggestion. If he is to visit Pyongyang, he will need an invitation from North Korea, and the process of arranging a visit is very complicated.