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South Korea's Peace Bid: Pope Asked to Visit North Korea Amid Tensions

South Korea has made a formal request for Pope Leo XIV to visit North Korea. The proposed visit would happen during the 2027 World Youth Day scheduled for Seoul. Vatican officials expressed full support for peace efforts on the Korean Peninsula. This diplomatic move comes amid stalled talks between North and South Korea.

Key Points: South Korea Asks Pope Leo XIV to Visit North Korea for Peace

  • South Korea's parliamentary speaker delivered formal letter to Vatican officials
  • Proposed papal visit would coincide with 2027 World Youth Day in Seoul
  • Vatican expressed full support for peace efforts on Korean Peninsula
  • Cardinal Parolin promised to deliver the letter directly to Pope Leo XIV
  • Event could bring 400,000-1 million young Catholics to Seoul
  • Visit aims to resume dialogue amid suspended inter-Korean talks
2 min read

South Korea's Nat'l Assembly speaker asks Pope Leo to visit North Korea for peace

South Korea's parliamentary speaker delivers formal request to Vatican, seeking papal visit to North Korea during 2027 World Youth Day in Seoul to promote peace.

"We hope this event will mark a new turning point for peace on the Korean Peninsula. - Woo Won-shik"

Seoul, Oct 22

South Korea's National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik has delivered a letter to the Vatican asking Pope Leo XIV to visit North Korea to help promote peace on the Korean Peninsula, officials said on Wednesday.

During his meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's secretary of state, on Tuesday (local time), Woo said the pope's visit would hold great significance for both global and inter-Korean peace if achieved on the occasion of the 2027 World Youth Day to be held in Seoul in August 2027, Yonhap News Agency reported.

"Between 400,000 and 1 million young participants from around the world will gather in Seoul, and it will serve as an opportunity to share the values of peace and solidarity," he said. "We hope this event will mark a new turning point for peace on the Korean Peninsula."

Parolin voiced his regret over the suspension of inter-Korean talks and expressed his support for South Korea's renewed efforts to resume dialogue with the North.

"The Vatican fully supports the South Korean government and parliament's efforts to bring peace on the Korean Peninsula," he said, promising to deliver the letter to the pope.

World Youth Day is a major event that brings together Catholic youths from around the world for prayer, fellowship and interaction with the pope. The global gathering is typically held every two to three years, with the pope's attendance considered a central element.

In Rome, Woo met with President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies Lorenzo Fontana and Gian Marco Centinaio, vice president of the Italian Senate, to discuss ways to expand cooperation, including measures to speed up visa issuance for South Korean businesses in Italy.

Woo is currently on a 10-day trip to Portugal, Italy and Spain to discuss bilateral cooperation on supply chains, renewable energy and other key issues.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I appreciate the peace efforts, I'm skeptical about North Korea's response. They rarely engage in meaningful dialogue. Hope this time is different!
A
Arjun K
As an Indian, I understand how religious diplomacy can work wonders. Remember how Pope John Paul II's visit helped ease tensions in many countries. Good move by South Korea!
S
Sarah B
The World Youth Day in Seoul 2027 sounds amazing! 400,000-1 million young people gathering for peace - what a powerful message to the world. ✨
V
Vikram M
I respect the intention but wonder if this is the right approach. North Korea's regime is unpredictable. Maybe more practical diplomatic channels should be strengthened first.
K
Kavya N
Peace initiatives always deserve support! In our diverse India, we've seen how interfaith dialogue can bridge divides. Hope this brings positive change to Korean families separated by borders. ❤️

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