Pope Leo XIV has been awarded an honorary 10th Dan in Taekwondo for his contributions to world peace and humanitarian efforts.
The World Taekwondo (WT) announced on June 7 that President Cho Jung-won presented the honorary 10th Dan certificate and a Taekwondo uniform to the Pope during the general audience at the Vatican on June 3.
According to WT, the honorary 10th Dan is the highest honor in Taekwondo, awarded in recognition of the Pope's dedication to promoting world peace and humanitarian activities. Cho had previously presented an honorary 10th Dan to former Pope Francis in 2017.
Seven young athletes from the Azraq and Zaatari refugee camps in Jordan also attended the audience with WT officials. The Pope warmly greeted the young athletes and took commemorative photos with them.
The Pope expressed deep gratitude for the efforts of WT and the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation in supporting refugees. He stated, "I am thankful for the commitment of WT and the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation to refugees, and meeting the children from the camps was a true joy."
This visit to the Vatican was seen as more than just an honorary certificate presentation; it served as a reminder of the importance of peace and solidarity through sports. The Vatican Taekwondo Association was approved as a WT member in 2021 and continues to engage with the global Taekwondo community.
Meanwhile, that afternoon, a Taekwondo demonstration by the WT demonstration team took place at the Spanish Steps in Rome, receiving enthusiastic applause from tourists and locals as they showcased high-flying kicks and precise forms.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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