President Lee: "A Legacy of Peace from the Divided Korean Peninsula"...Anticipates Papal Visit for World Youth Day

Message Sent Ahead of Next Year’s World Youth Day

"Peace on the Korean Peninsula is Deeply Connected to Global Peace"

"Peace Begins When We Meet and Listen"

On June 16 (local time), President Lee Jaemyung stated, "Peace on the Korean Peninsula is deeply connected to peace in the wider world," emphasizing that "peace begins when people meet, listen to one another's stories, and recognize each other as fellow human beings." Ahead of the World Youth Day to be held in Seoul next year, President Lee delivered a message of dialogue, solidarity, and peace from the divided Korean Peninsula, going beyond a simple religious event.

President Lee Jae-myung and his wife, along with Pope Leo XIII, 14th, pose for a commemorative photo before their meeting at the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican on the 15th (local time). June 15, 2026. (Photo by Vatican Media) Yonhap News

In a written message released to Fides, the Vatican's missionary news agency, regarding the 2027 Seoul World Youth Day, President Lee said, "The Korean Peninsula remains divided, so we deeply understand the yearning for reconciliation and lasting peace." World Youth Day is a Catholic event attended by hundreds of thousands of people from across the globe. This is the first time since Manila, Philippines in 1995 that the event will be held in Asia.

President Lee made it clear that World Youth Day is not a political event, but stressed that its value of "encounter and dialogue" carries an important message for peace on the Korean Peninsula. He stated, "Although World Youth Day is not a political event, its testimony toward encounter and dialogue speaks to a universal truth," and added, "Every effort to promote understanding, trust, and mutual respect contributes to the peace that all humanity seeks."

In particular, President Lee expressed anticipation for Pope Leo XIV’s possible visit to Korea in conjunction with the 2027 Seoul World Youth Day. He said, "We have great expectations for welcoming Pope Leo XIV," and added, "The Pope’s visit to Seoul will remind us that moral leadership, compassion, and dialogue remain essential elements in a divided world."

He continued, "Through the meeting between the Pope and young people, I hope that this new generation will move toward the future with renewed courage, generosity, and a resolve to contribute to others and to the common good."

President Lee also attached special significance to the theme scripture of next year’s World Youth Day, "Take courage. I have overcome the world." He said, "At a time when conflict and division continue to test the foundations of peace and coexistence, this theme reminds us that hope is stronger than fear, dialogue is more powerful than confrontation, and solidarity is the surest path through uncertainty."

He went on to say, "Today’s youth face enormous challenges, but at the same time, they also possess tremendous potential," and added, "This generation will contribute to deciding how humanity will respond to urgent tasks such as overcoming division and inequality, navigating technological transformation, and building a more peaceful future."

President Lee also introduced that Korea is preparing to welcome young people and pilgrims from around the world. He said, "It is an honor for the Republic of Korea to host the 2027 Seoul World Youth Day in Seoul," and added, "I hope Seoul will be a place where young people deepen their faith, build lasting friendships, and newly discover the value of solidarity beyond borders and cultures." He continued, "In the coming months, we will prepare with open hearts and hospitality to welcome pilgrims from all over the world," and expressed hope that "the 2027 Seoul World Youth Day will become an enduring symbol of friendship, encounter, and peace."

This message from President Lee was released after he met with Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican the previous day and extended an invitation to visit Korea. During his official visit to the Vatican, President Lee held a private meeting with the Pope and conveyed his wish for the Pope to visit Korea in conjunction with the 2027 Seoul World Youth Day. He also met with Cardinal Parolin, Secretary of State of the Vatican, to discuss peace on the Korean Peninsula, international issues, and ways to ensure the smooth preparation of the Seoul World Youth Day.

President Lee Jae-myung and Pope Leo XIV are conversing while looking at the "Papal Audience Room Brochure" prepared by the Pope for President Lee at the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican on the 15th (local time). 2026.6.15 (Photo by Vatican Media, Yonhap News)

President Lee also highlighted the meaning of peace and solidarity by referencing Korea’s modern history. He said, "Korea’s modern history has shown that even in difficult times, hope can overcome fear and solidarity can overcome division," and added, "We have witnessed that dialogue can open paths that once seemed closed, and that through cooperation, we can overcome challenges that once seemed insurmountable."

He continued, "I hope that the young people gathering in Seoul in 2027 will embrace this spirit and return to their communities and countries with it," and added, "If that happens, the 2027 Seoul World Youth Day will leave a legacy of courage, friendship, and peace for the next generation, extending beyond Korea to the wider world."

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