Seoul: South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung expressed his hope on Monday that Pope Leo XIV would consider visiting North Korea as a gesture of peace on the Korean Peninsula. This sentiment was reported by the Yonhap News agency following Lee's first meeting with a religious figure since assuming office on June 3.

According to Anadolu Agency, President Lee met with Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik to discuss the potential visit of Pope Leo XIV. The cardinal mentioned that the pope 'is widely expected' to visit South Korea for World Youth Day in 2027. Cardinal You, the first Korean prefect of the Dicastery for the Clergy at the Vatican, extended a formal invitation for President Lee to visit the Vatican. Lee responded positively, expressing his desire to meet the pope before the event.

In the discussions, President Lee conveyed his hope that Pope Leo XIV might consider a visit to North Korea as a 'symbolic gesture to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula.' He emphasized the Catholic Church's interest in peace and stability in the region and expressed his wish that the Holy See could contribute to improving inter-Korean relations before 2027.

Both Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis have previously visited South Korea, highlighting the Vatican's ongoing interest in the region. Last week, Cardinal You commented on the potential role of Pope Leo XIV, who is American, in improving relations between the US and North Korea. He suggested that the pope could have a significant impact on inter-Korean affairs.

The Korean Peninsula remains divided, with North and South Korea in a technical state of war since the Korean War ended in an armistice in 1953.