South Korean President Lee Jae Myung asked Pope Leo XIV to visit North Korea

The South Korean President Lee Jae Myung stated on Friday that he requested Pope Leo XIV to visit North Korea and the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) during a recent meeting at the Vatican. Lee also invited the Pope to participate in the World Youth Days, which will take place in South Korea next year, suggesting that he could take this opportunity to also visit North Korea.

The Pope responded that he would consider the proposal. The President also mentioned the desire of the South Korean Catholic community to have a cardinal appointed to a local diocese, to which the Pope responded that he would consider the circumstances in South Korea. Lee Jae Myung noted the Pope's special interest in South Korea, mentioning that the pontiff uses Samsung and Hyundai products.