In a written message sent on June 16 to the Vatican's Fides News Agency, President Lee remarked, "The Pope's visit to Seoul will remind us that moral leadership, compassion, and dialogue are still essential in a divided world."
He added, "I hope the meeting between the Pope and the youth will encourage a new generation to approach the future with courage, generosity, and a commitment to the common good."
Earlier, on June 15, President Lee met with Pope Leo XIII at the Vatican and extended an invitation for the Pope to visit Korea in connection with next year's World Youth Day.
Notably, President Lee reportedly discussed the possibility of a papal visit to North Korea with Vatican officials.
He stated, "The Korean Peninsula remains divided, and we deeply understand the desire for reconciliation and sustainable peace. While the World Youth Day is not a political event, it demonstrates a universal truth through the significance of meeting and dialogue."
He emphasized, "Peace begins when people meet, listen to each other's stories, and recognize our shared humanity. The peace of the Korean Peninsula is deeply connected to global peace, and every effort to promote understanding, trust, and mutual respect contributes to the peace humanity seeks."
Regarding the theme of the World Youth Day, 'Take Courage! I Have Conquered the World' (John 16:33), President Lee noted, "It reminds us that hope is stronger than fear, dialogue holds more power than conflict, and solidarity is the surest path through uncertainty."
He also acknowledged that today's youth face particularly challenging obstacles but possess unique opportunities. "This generation will shape how humanity responds to division, inequality, technological transitions, and the task of building a more peaceful future," he said.
President Lee mentioned that South Korea will host the World Youth Day in 2027, expressing his hope that it will be a place for youth to deepen their faith, build lasting friendships, and rediscover the value of solidarity across borders and cultures.
He added, "We will prepare to welcome young pilgrims from around the world with open hearts and hospitality, hoping that the World Youth Day will leave a lasting legacy symbolizing friendship, encounters, and peace."
President Lee concluded, "Korea's modern history shows that hope can overcome fear, and solidarity can transcend division. If the youth gathering in Seoul next year carry this spirit back to their communities, the World Youth Day will leave a legacy of courage, friendship, and peace for future generations beyond Korea."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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