Vatican city: President Lee Jae Myung extended an invitation to Pope Leo XIV to visit South Korea next year during the country's hosting of World Youth Day 2027, as revealed by a presidential official. This offer was made during a meeting at the Vatican, part of President Lee's wider European tour.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the two leaders pledged to collaborate closely to ensure the successful hosting of World Youth Day 2027. National security adviser Wi Sung-lac confirmed in a press briefing that President Lee officially invited Pope Leo XIV to visit South Korea in conjunction with the event.
In their discussions, President Lee briefed the pope on South Korea's peace initiatives on the Korean Peninsula. The Vatican reiterated its steadfast support for promoting peace in the region, as noted by Wi. Additionally, a senior South Korean official mentioned that the conversation also addressed inter-Korean issues, with both parties agreeing on the necessity of pursuing cross-border dialogue and cooperation, despite the prevailing political challenges.
The dialogue between Lee and Pope Leo XIV likely included the possibility of the pope visiting North Korea. This discussion aligns with Seoul's strategy to engage the Vatican in its peace-building efforts with Pyongyang, potentially including a papal visit to the North. The late Pope Francis had frequently expressed his willingness to undertake such a visit.
Later in the day, President Lee also met with Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's secretary of state, to explore various approaches to easing inter-Korean tensions, as reported by an official who preferred to remain anonymous.