[SPOTLIGHT]25/07/07 South Korean president proposes papal visit to North Korea

[성기화 요셉]

President Lee also expressed gratitude to the Vatican for its support for inter-Korean reconciliation

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung (right) meets with Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-sik at the presidential office in central Seoul on July 7. (Photo: Korea JoongAng Daily / Joint Press Corps)

By UCA News reporter

Published: July 09, 2025 06:04 AM GMT

Updated: July 09, 2025 06:17 AM GMT

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has proposed that Pope Leo XIV consider a visit to North Korea, while expressing gratitude for the Vatican’s support for improving inter-Korean relations.

Lee made his remarks during a meeting with Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-sik, prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Clergy, at the presidential office in Seoul on July 7, the Korea JoongAng Daily reported.

“Since he cares deeply about peace on the Korean Peninsula, I wonder if he might consider stopping by North Korea on his way,” Lee said, referring to the 2027 Catholic World Youth Day (WYD), which Seoul is set to host.

WYD, established by Pope John Paul II in 1985, is a triennial global Catholic youth gathering that draws tens of thousands of youths from across the world.

Cardinal You affirmed that Pope Leo will arrive in South Korea for WYD.

He recalled that Pope Leo’s election had kindled in him a hope that “something major would happen for peace on the Korean Peninsula.”

You said that the pope is expected to play a significant role in inter-Korean relations.

“It would be wonderful if, in 2027, we could see an image of President Lee and Kim Jong-un together in a photo with the pope,” he added.

Lee expressed gratitude to the Vatican for its support for inter-Korean reconciliation.

“As the Catholic Church holds a special interest in peace on the peninsula and the stability of South Korea, I hope the Holy See can play a meaningful role — even before the pope’s visit,” Lee said.

Lee also emphasized that his government is committed to improving inter-Korean relations and reducing ongoing tensions between South and North Korea.

“We are working to open a door to dialogue through trust-building and tension-reduction measures,” Lee said while expressing hope that the Holy See will continue to support South Korea’s efforts towards achieving peace.

Since taking office, Lee’s administration has moved to de-escalate tensions with North Korea.

South Korea had suspended the loudspeaker broadcasts and leaflet campaigns directed at North Korea. In return, the North has responded by halting its broadcasts targeting the South.

Lee and You also discussed a possible meeting with Pope Leo ahead of WYD.

You stated that the pope has expressed interest in meeting Lee in the Vatican City ahead of the upcoming WYD, while Lee expressed hope of meeting with Pope Leo “before 2027, if possible.”

Former South Korean President Moon Jae-in had visited the Vatican in 2018 and 2021 to extend an invitation to then-Pope Francis to visit North Korea.

At the time, Pope Francis had responded that he would go “if an official invitation came from the North.”