During the meeting, President Lee requested the Pope's visit to South Korea for the World Youth Day, the largest Catholic event, scheduled for next year in Seoul. It is also reported that he inquired about the possibility of the Pope visiting North Korea.
The President held a private, 30-minute meeting with the Pope without any aides present. As is customary, the details of their conversation remain confidential.
This visit to the Vatican marks President Lee's first since taking office, as he is currently on a tour of Europe.
National Security Office Director Wi Seong-rak held a briefing in Vatican City, stating, "The President's visit reaffirmed the Vatican's unwavering support and interest in peace on the Korean Peninsula," adding that the President and the Pope agreed to work closely for the successful hosting of the World Youth Day in Seoul next year.
Given the prolonged tension between North and South Korea, there is speculation that President Lee may have requested the Pope to visit North Korea.
Former President Moon Jae-in expressed a desire for a papal visit to North Korea during his meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican in 2018, but the visit did not materialize due to issues regarding an invitation from North Korea.
A senior official from the Blue House told reporters, "The Pope primarily listened during the meeting, and President Lee expressed hope that if the Pope visits Korea for the World Youth Day, he will deliver a message of peace regarding the Korean Peninsula."
Following his meeting with the Pope, President Lee also met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's Secretary of State. Discussions included peace on the Korean Peninsula and the potential for a papal visit to North Korea. The Secretariat of State functions as the Vatican's cabinet, with the Secretary of State serving as the equivalent of a prime minister.
The Blue House official noted, "The President mentioned that while inter-Korean relations are currently strained and difficult, efforts are being made to ease tensions and build trust through various means, including the sentiment that 'knock, and it will be opened.'"
He added, "The Vatican expressed encouragement, emphasizing that both patience and hope are necessary."
President Lee and Cardinal Parolin also engaged in a deep discussion about the Catholic Church's contributions to the development of democracy in South Korea and the importance of ensuring that the benefits of artificial intelligence technology are accessible to all people without discrimination.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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