President Lee Jae-myung met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, where he requested the Pope to visit South Korea next year for the World Youth Day (WYD) in Seoul. During their discussion, they addressed issues related to peace on the Korean Peninsula and improving inter-Korean relations, with the topic of a papal visit to North Korea also being raised. The Vatican expressed its support for South Korea's peace efforts and promised continued interest and backing.
The Pope's visit to South Korea would carry significant implications. As the leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, his presence could send powerful messages to both South Korean society and the international community. The 2027 WYD in Seoul is expected to be a large-scale international event, showcasing South Korea's status and dynamism while promoting values of hope and solidarity among young people globally.
Particularly noteworthy is the possibility of a papal visit to North Korea. President Lee previously discussed this with Cardinal Yu Heung-sik last year. This time, he directly conveyed the national desire for peace on the Korean Peninsula and the government's vision during his meeting with the Pope. The Vatican reportedly acknowledged the importance of dialogue, reconciliation, and cooperation, showing interest in playing a role in achieving peace on the peninsula.
A papal visit to Pyongyang would not merely be a religious event; it could symbolize a thaw in tensions and an improvement in inter-Korean relations. Historically, the Pope has often visited sites of conflict and division, transcending politics and ideology. During the Cold War, the Vatican played a crucial role in the democratization of Eastern Europe and has consistently promoted reconciliation and dialogue in international conflict zones.
However, the current reality is challenging. Discussions about a papal visit to North Korea took place during the Moon Jae-in administration but did not materialize. At that time, inter-Korean summits were held, and North Korea expressed an invitation, but it ultimately did not happen. The current state of inter-Korean relations is much more strained than it was then. A visit to North Korea is realistically difficult unless an invitation is extended by the North. Cardinal Yu has stated that "the decision on a visit depends on North Korea," reflecting this reality.
Nevertheless, there is no reason to abandon hope. Diplomacy operates within the realm of reality, but history sometimes opens doors through symbolism. There have been numerous instances where what once seemed unimaginable became reality through dialogue and trust. The key is to remain persistent.
In his meeting with the Vatican's Secretary of State, President Lee quoted the biblical phrase, "Knock, and it will be opened to you." The Vatican responded, emphasizing that "patience is needed, but so is hope." The same applies to peace on the Korean Peninsula; both patience and hope are essential. Above all, there must be a concerted effort to maintain the dialogue.
The new government has prioritized restoring inter-Korean relations and achieving peace on the Korean Peninsula as key national objectives. This direction is correct, as peace is not merely the responsibility of a specific administration but a collective task for all of South Korea. A balanced approach is necessary, one that keeps the door open for dialogue and cooperation while upholding security and principles.
If the 2027 WYD in Seoul is successfully held, the Pope visits South Korea, and further, travels to Pyongyang, it could become a significant milestone in the history of the Korean Peninsula. We hope that the Pope's visit to Pyongyang will serve as a new starting point for reconciliation and peace between the North and South.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.