'Peace on the Korean Peninsula' Resonates at the Vatican... President Lee: "The Spark of Hope from the June 15 South-North Joint Declaration Is Still Alive"

Special Address at St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica Mass

"Shadows of Division and Confrontation Cast Across the International Community"

"South and North Have Returned to an Era of Severance and Confrontation"

Reiterates: "We Do No

President Lee Jae-myung, who is on an official visit to the Vatican, expressed his commitment to restoring peace on the Korean Peninsula on June 14 (local time), ahead of the 26th anniversary of the June 15 North-South Joint Declaration, stating, "I am convinced that the spark of hope is still alive." While acknowledging that inter-Korean relations have returned to an era of confrontation and disconnection, he reaffirmed before the international community the principle that South Korea will not pursue absorption unification or unilateral regime competition, as well as continued efforts to restore military trust.

President Lee Jae-myung is delivering a commemorative speech at the "Special Mass for Peace and Solidarity" held at St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica in Rome, Italy, presided over by Cardinal You Heung-sik on the 14th (local time). 2026.6.14 Yonhap News Photo by Yonhap News

President Lee attended the "Special Mass for Peace and Solidarity" held at St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica in Rome on this day, where he delivered a commemorative speech. He said, "On June 15, 26 years ago, the South and North sat face-to-face for the first time since the division and announced the June 15 North-South Joint Declaration." He described it as "a historic turning point that showed the world the possibility of dialogue and cooperation beyond long-standing hostility and tension."

President Lee continued, "Afterwards, family reunions, humanitarian cooperation, exchanges, and visits followed, opening a new door of hope for peace on the Korean Peninsula," and added, "I am convinced that the spark of hope is still alive." By highlighting the symbolism of the June 15 Joint Declaration, he once again underscored the principles of restoring inter-Korean dialogue and peaceful coexistence.

Regarding the current situation on the Korean Peninsula, President Lee said, "South and North, who once spoke of peace and prosperity together, have again reverted to an era of disconnection and confrontation. The channels of communication that linked the two Koreas have closed, and distrust and tension persist." Referring to the war in Ukraine and the conflicts in the Middle East, he noted, "As the foundations of cooperation and coexistence are shaken, the shadows of division and confrontation grow darker throughout the international community."

However, President Lee emphasized, "The people of the Republic of Korea have never lost faith in peace and democracy, even amid countless hardships and trials," and added, "Even in the midst of economic crises and social turmoil, we have illuminated the darkness not with guns and swords, but with candles; not with violence, but with peace; not with cynicism, but with solidarity." Regarding the Korean Catholic Church, he said, "It began as a voluntary lay community, endured severe persecution, and has served as a pillar upholding the values of human dignity, peace, and solidarity whenever our society faced difficult moments."

President Lee presented the government's principles for its North Korea policy in detail. He said, "Since its inauguration last year, the South Korean government has taken proactive measures to ease tensions, such as halting leaflet launches and loudspeaker broadcasts toward North Korea. We have also made it clear that we do not pursue absorption unification or unilateral regime competition." He continued, "We will consistently pursue efforts to prevent accidental clashes between the two Koreas and to restore military trust. We plan to do everything possible to establish a sustainable peace regime beyond the current armistice."

President Lee Jae-myung is delivering a commemorative speech at the "Special Mass for Peace and Solidarity" held at St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica in Rome, Italy, on June 14, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News

President Lee also called upon the Holy See for continued interest and support for peace on the Korean Peninsula. He said, "For many years, the international community has longed for peace and reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula, and the Republic of Korea has consistently endeavored to meet those hopes and expectations. I would like to express my deep gratitude to the Holy See for its unwavering interest and support throughout this process."

President Lee conveyed the message that peace on the Korean Peninsula is connected to global peace. He said, "At a time when conflict and uncertainty weigh heavily upon the world, Korea wishes to deliver a message of hope. With the light that democracy has brought forth, the dignity shaped by a rich culture, and the possibilities opened up by science, technology, and innovation, we will contribute to building a world that is more peaceful, freer, and where everyone enjoys a dignified life."

He further stated, "We will join hands with those who share our purpose, transcending borders, ideologies, races, and cultural differences. Where there is conflict, we will bring reconciliation; where there is distrust, we will build trust; where there is division, we will add solidarity, fulfilling our international responsibility so that peace becomes a shared legacy of humanity."

In the final part of his speech, President Lee quoted a passage from the Book of Isaiah: "They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks." He said, "I hope that peace on the Korean Peninsula will spread to world peace, and that global solidarity will, in turn, reinforce peace on the peninsula, creating a virtuous cycle together. I ask you to join in prayer so that these precious words may be realized throughout our land."

President Lee Jae-myung is seen shaking hands and greeting Cardinal Yu Heung-sik after delivering a commemorative speech at the "Special Mass for Peace and Solidarity" held at St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica in Rome, Italy, on June 14, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News

President Lee also requested the Vatican's attention regarding the World Youth Day to be held in Seoul next year. He said, "I hope that young people from all over the world will come together, overcoming the barriers of frontlines, barbed wire, and borders. As Jesus Christ told his fearful disciples, 'Take courage, I have overcome the world,' I hope these words will be delivered as comfort, courage, and hope to our young people today."

At the special mass, President Lee also greeted Korean clergy members, including Cardinal You Heung-sik, who became the first Korean to be appointed as Prefect of the Dicastery for the Clergy at the Holy See. On June 15, President Lee is scheduled to have a private meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the Apostolic Palace and to meet with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's Secretary of State. The meetings are expected to focus on peace on the Korean Peninsula and cooperation for the World Youth Day to be held in Seoul in 2027.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.