President Lee Meets Cardinal Yoo Heung-sik, Expresses Hope for Papal Visit and Inter-Korean Dialogue

President Lee Jae-myung held a meeting with Cardinal Yoo Heung-sik, who is currently visiting Korea, at the Yongsan Presidential Office on the 7th. During the meeting, they discussed the potential visit of Pope Leo XIV to Korea, particularly in light of the upcoming World Youth Day scheduled to take place in Seoul in 2027.  

President Lee remarked, “It seems likely that the Pope will visit Korea at that time,” to which Cardinal Yoo responded, “Unless there are circumstances such as hospitalization, the Pope is expected to come to Korea.”  

President Lee further proposed, “On the occasion of pursuing peace on the Korean Peninsula, it would be meaningful for the Pope to also consider visiting North Korea.” Cardinal Yoo added, “When the Pope was elected at the Conclave, I felt that something significant for peace on the Korean Peninsula was being realized.”  

Cardinal Yoo also expressed optimism about the positive impact of the Pope's potential visit on inter-Korean relations. “If Pope Leo XIV comes to Korea in 2027, how wonderful would it be to see a photo of the President and Chairman Kim Jong-un of North Korea together? I hope the papal visit serves as a catalyst for improved relations between the two Koreas,” he said.  

Cardinal Yoo shared that he had recently met the Pope in person and delivered President Lee’s letter. “The Pope said he had received your letter well, and when I asked if I could invite you to Rome, he replied, ‘Of course,’” Cardinal Yoo conveyed, indicating the Pope’s oral invitation.  

In response, President Lee stated, “If possible, I hope to have the opportunity to meet the Pope before 2027. As the Catholic Church pays special attention to peace in Korea and the stability of the peninsula, I request the Holy See’s active role in improving inter-Korean relations even before then.”  

Additionally, President Lee expressed his gratitude: “Thank you for your support and words during the election. On behalf of the people, I would also like to thank the Korean Catholic Church for its major contributions not only to human rights and peace but also to the restoration of democracy in Korea.”  

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=Yonhap News