President Lee: "A Warm Meeting with the Pope, Hardly Felt Like a First Audience"... Discusses Peace on the Korean Peninsula and Seoul WYD

President Lee Shares Message on Social Media After Meeting Pope Leo XIV

After meeting Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on the 15th (local time), President Lee Jae-myung stated, "The meeting took place in such a warm and friendly atmosphere that it hardly felt like a first audience." President Lee also expressed his intention to work closely with the Vatican to ensure the successful hosting of the World Youth Day (WYD) in Seoul next year.

President Lee Jae-myung is taking a commemorative photo with attendees before a private meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the Apostolic Palace of the Holy See on the 15th (local time). (Photo by Vatican Media) Yonhap News

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) after completing his schedule at the Vatican, President Lee stated, "Pope Leo XIV has shown particular interest in our country, having visited Korea five times during his tenure as Prior General of the Augustinian Order."

On this day, President Lee paid a 30-minute courtesy visit to Pope Leo XIV at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican. After the audience, he met with Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Foreign Minister Paul Richard Gallagher to discuss the relationship between Korea and the Holy See, preparations for the 2027 World Youth Day in Seoul, and regional and international affairs. Both sides also exchanged views on the longstanding friendship since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1963, and on the contributions of the Catholic Church in Korea to Korean society, especially in the fields of education and welfare.

Regarding his meeting with Secretary of State Parolin, President Lee explained, "We discussed various challenges and issues facing the international community, including peace on the Korean Peninsula," and added, "We agreed to work even more closely together to ensure the smooth preparation of next year's World Youth Day in Seoul."

The Blue House announced that President Lee officially invited the Pope to visit Korea on the occasion of next year's World Youth Day in Seoul. At a briefing, National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lak said, "President Lee and the Pope agreed to work closely together for the successful hosting of the 2027 World Youth Day in Seoul, and President Lee extended a formal invitation for the Pope to visit Korea at that time." President Lee also presented his vision for peace on the Korean Peninsula to the Pope, and the Vatican reaffirmed its unwavering support for promoting peace on the Peninsula.

President Lee also mentioned the history of Catholicism in Korea. He said, "Korean Catholicism, which began with the voluntary faith of laypeople, has conveyed the values of the common good and solidarity to our society, overcoming numerous trials and persecutions." He continued, "Reflecting on this sacred history, I am confident that we can overcome the uncertainties and challenges facing the world today, as long as we stand together."

The Blue House revealed the gift prepared by Pope Leo XIV for President Lee Jae-myung, who visited the Vatican for a private meeting, on June 16. June 16, 2026 (Photo by The Blue House) Yonhap News

This visit to the Vatican is also aligned with President Lee's message of 'peace on the Korean Peninsula' emphasized during his European tour. The previous day, at a 'Special Mass for Peace and Solidarity' held at St. Paul's Basilica, President Lee referenced the June 15 North-South Joint Declaration and stated, "The spark of hope is still alive." At that time, President Lee affirmed that he would not pursue absorption reunification or unilateral system competition, but instead would work to prevent accidental military clashes and restore trust between the two Koreas.

President Lee stated, "I will cherish the blessed time I spent in the Vatican for a long time," adding, "I hope that Korea and the Holy See will continue to walk together as partners in promoting peace, solidarity, human dignity, and the common good for a better future." He concluded, "Pope, Secretary of State, I sincerely thank you for your warm hospitality."

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