National Security Office Director Wi Seong-rak announced this during a briefing on the president's travel schedule at the Cheong Wa Dae on June 5.
This visit marks the first time a South Korean leader has visited the Vatican since Pope Leo XIV ascended to the papacy about a year ago in May 2025.
Wi stated, "Through President Yoon's speech at the special mass at St. Paul Outside the Walls, we aim to express South Korea's commitment to global peace and solidarity, seeking the Vatican's support for this initiative."
He also highlighted that the upcoming World Youth Day (WYD), scheduled to take place in Seoul in August 2027, will be a key agenda item. This event will be the second WYD held in an Asian country and the first in a nation where Catholicism is not the majority religion.
There are speculations that President Yoon may request a visit to North Korea during his meeting with Pope Leo XIV in connection with the 2027 event.
A senior official at the Cheong Wa Dae remarked on the possibility of discussing North Korea, saying, "We are aware of the significant expectations for discussions regarding inter-Korean relations and the situation on the Korean Peninsula, but it is premature to specify the details of any discussions at this time."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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