Pope Leo XIV has been awarded an honorary 10th Dan in Taekwondo in recognition of his contributions to global peace and humanitarian efforts.
The World Taekwondo (WT) announced on June 7 that Cho Jung-won, the organization's president, presented the honorary certificate and a taekwondo uniform to the Pope during the Wednesday General Audience at the Vatican on June 3.
According to WT, the honorary 10th Dan is the highest honor in the taekwondo community, awarded to the Pope for his dedication to promoting world peace and humanitarian activities. Cho had previously presented the same honor to former Pope Francis in 2017.
The audience included seven young athletes from the Azraq and Zaatari refugee camps in Jordan, who were warmly greeted by the Pope and participated in a commemorative photo session.
The Pope expressed deep appreciation for the efforts of WT and the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation in supporting refugees, stating, "I am grateful for the commitment of WT and the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation to refugees. Meeting the children from the camps was a true joy."
This visit to the Vatican was seen as more than just an honorary award ceremony; it served as a reminder of the significance 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.
The World Taekwondo (WT) announced on June 7 that Cho Jung-won, the organization's president, presented the honorary certificate and a taekwondo uniform to the Pope during the Wednesday General Audience at the Vatican on June 3.
According to WT, the honorary 10th Dan is the highest honor in the taekwondo community, awarded to the Pope for his dedication to promoting world peace and humanitarian activities. Cho had previously presented the same honor to former Pope Francis in 2017.
The audience included seven young athletes from the Azraq and Zaatari refugee camps in Jordan, who were warmly greeted by the Pope and participated in a commemorative photo session.
The Pope expressed deep appreciation for the efforts of WT and the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation in supporting refugees, stating, "I am grateful for the commitment of WT and the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation to refugees. Meeting the children from the camps was a true joy."
This visit to the Vatican was seen as more than just an honorary award ceremony; it served as a reminder of the significance 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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