Pope Expected to Visit South Korea for World Youth Day 2027

On July 7, President Lee Jae-myung met with Cardinal Yoo Heung-sik, the first Korean to serve as a minister in the Vatican. During their meeting at the presidential office in Yongsan, Cardinal Yoo conveyed that Pope Leo XIV has extended an invitation for President Lee to visit the Vatican, to which President Lee expressed his desire to meet the Pope. The President also requested the Pope's special involvement in improving inter-Korean relations.
This meeting marked President Lee's first official engagement with a religious leader since taking office. He welcomed Cardinal Yoo at the entrance of his office, thanking him for the Catholic Church's significant role in restoring democracy in South Korea.
President Lee inquired about the Pope's attendance at the upcoming World Youth Day, scheduled to take place in South Korea in 2027. Cardinal Yoo assured him that the Pope would indeed attend. President Lee suggested that since the Pope is interested in peace on the Korean Peninsula, it might be beneficial for him to visit North Korea during his trip.
Cardinal Yoo responded positively, envisioning a photo opportunity with President Lee and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during the Pope's visit. He shared that he had recently met with the Pope and received a verbal invitation to extend to President Lee.
President Lee expressed his hope to meet the Pope in Rome before the 2027 event and emphasized the importance of the Vatican's role in fostering peace between North and South Korea.
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