[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in, who is touring Europe on the occasion of the G20 Summit and other events, held his first official schedule with a private meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican, requesting a visit to North Korea, saying it would be a momentum for peace on the Korean Peninsula. Pope Francis responded positively, saying, "If you send an invitation, I will gladly go."
On the 29th (local time), President Moon officially visited the Vatican and had a private meeting with Pope Francis, confirming the Pope's continued support for peace on the Korean Peninsula.
During the meeting at the Apostolic Palace, held without any attendants, President Moon said, "If Your Holiness has the opportunity to visit North Korea, it would be a momentum for peace on the Korean Peninsula. Koreans have great expectations."
Pope Francis replied, "If you send an invitation, I will gladly go to help you and for peace. You are brothers who speak the same language, aren't you? I will gladly go."
In addition, President Moon and Pope Francis exchanged views on global issues facing humanity such as COVID-19, climate change, and refugees, and agreed to continue cooperation to encourage international community action in these areas going forward.
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