Pope Leo XIV Plans to Visit Korea for World Youth Day 2027
Cardinal You: "How wonderful it would be for the Pope to take a photo with the leaders of South and North Korea during his visit"
President Lee: "I hope to have an audience with the Pope before 2027"
President Lee Jaemyung met with Cardinal You Heung-sik on July 7. President Lee said that after hearing from Cardinal You about Pope Leo XIV's planned visit to Korea in 2027, he thought it would be meaningful if the Pope could also visit North Korea. Cardinal You also expressed hope that the Pope could be seen together with President Lee and Kim Jongun, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea. President Lee added that he hopes to have an opportunity to meet the Pope even before 2027.
The meeting between President Lee and Cardinal You took place that day in the president's office on the second floor of the Yongsan presidential building. President Lee asked Cardinal You about the World Youth Day to be held in Korea in 2027 and whether the Pope would be attending. Cardinal You replied that "he will certainly come" unless there are any special circumstances. In response, President Lee suggested, "I was wondering if it might be possible for the Pope to visit North Korea as well while he is here. He has shown great interest in peace on the Korean Peninsula."
Cardinal You added, "I wrote a summary to give you and was going to provide a detailed explanation as well," and continued, "I wrote that it would be wonderful if, when the Pope visits Korea in 2027, there could be a photo of President Lee and Chairman Kim together with him."
President Lee went on to say, "The Catholic Church is currently showing special interest in peace in the Republic of Korea and stability on the Korean Peninsula," and emphasized, "I hope that even before then, the Holy See could make a special contribution or play a role in improving inter-Korean relations." According to presidential spokesperson Kang Yujeong, Cardinal You responded that he is also very interested in inter-Korean exchange and expects Pope Leo XIV to play an important role in inter-Korean relations, expressing his intention to work closely together.
Meanwhile, Cardinal You conveyed Pope Leo XIV's verbal invitation for President Lee to visit the Vatican. President Lee responded, "If possible, I would like to have an opportunity to meet the Pope before he comes to Korea in 2027."
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