President Lee Meets Pope Leo XIV, Urges Support for Peace on Korean Peninsula

President Lee Jae-myung emphasized the importance of peace on the Korean Peninsula and international solidarity during his first official meeting with Pope Leo XIV on June 15.

While on a European tour, President Lee met privately with the Pope at the Vatican's Apostolic Palace, accompanied only by an interpreter. Details of their discussion remain confidential, as is customary for such meetings.

President Lee also held discussions with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's Secretary of State, requesting the Holy See's interest and constructive role in regional affairs.

This meeting garnered attention amid controversy surrounding a joint statement from South Korea and the European Union condemning military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, as well as principles of denuclearization. Following a summit in Brussels on June 10, President Lee issued the statement, which prompted a strong rebuke from North Korea, labeling South Korea as an unchanging adversary.

During a ceremony marking the 26th anniversary of the June 15 inter-Korean summit at Yonsei University's Kim Dae-jung Library in Seoul, a speech read by Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik reiterated, "The June 15 summit and the joint declaration were the starting point for peace and coexistence on the Korean Peninsula. The government will not cease its efforts for peace and coexistence."

The Blue House noted that Pope Leo XIV is the first pope from the United States, highlighting the significance of U.S.-North Korea relations in discussions about North Korea's nuclear issues and peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Analysts suggest that Pope Leo XIV could serve as a new link in U.S.-North Korea relations, as he has visited South Korea five times prior to his papacy and is regarded as having a deep understanding of the country.

Cardinal Yoo Heung-sik, the first Korean to serve as the Vatican's Minister of Clergy, remarked that Pope Leo XIV has expressed a willingness to visit North Korea if invited, stating, "Ultimately, it depends on North Korea."

Following his visits to Belgium, Italy, and the Vatican, President Lee is set to travel to France on June 16 to attend the G7 summit. Leaders from G7 nations and invited countries will gather in Évian-les-Bains, France, until June 17 to discuss geopolitical crises and global economic issues. This marks President Lee's second consecutive year participating in discussions with major world leaders at the G7 summit.