National Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-sik Visits Vatican: "Actively Support Seoul World Youth Day"

"We are making careful preparations for the Pope's visit to Korea... We look forward to his message for peace on the Korean Peninsula"

National Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-sik visited the Holy See on October 7 (local time) and held separate meetings with Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik, prefect of the Dicastery for the Clergy, and Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See. He called for cooperation to ensure the success of the 2027 Seoul World Youth Day (WYD), prepare for the Pope's visit to Korea, and promote peace on the Korean Peninsula.

National Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-sik meets with Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik, prefect of the Dicastery for the Clergy, during a visit to the Holy See on the 7th (local time). From right: Speaker Cho and Democratic Party of Korea lawmakers Han Jeong-ae and Hwang Hee.

As the first official engagement on his first overseas trip since taking office as National Assembly Speaker, Cho visited the Holy See and said, "The government and the National Assembly will communicate closely and actively support the World Youth Day so it can proceed without a hitch."

Calling it "an international festival that will bring together 500,000 young people from around the world," he asked You for his continued interest and support. Cho also said, "The National Assembly and the government are united in working for peace on the Korean Peninsula, and are making careful preparations for the Pope's visit to Korea," adding, "In particular, we look forward to receiving his invaluable message for peace on the Korean Peninsula."

You said, "World Youth Day is a wonderful opportunity for young people to learn how to engage in dialogue and compromise, and to build solidarity with one another." He added, "By drawing on Korea's unique circumstances, including the Joint Security Area (JSA), we will be able to offer young people from around the world a variety of experiences."

In his meeting with Parolin, Cho also called for the Holy See to continue playing a role in promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula. He said, "Korea and the Holy See have maintained their friendship for 63 years since establishing diplomatic relations in 1963," and expressed gratitude for the Holy See's efforts to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Cho said, "Next year's Seoul World Youth Day will be the first visit to Korea by Pope Leo XIV since his enthronement, and a meaningful event to be held in Asia for the first time in 32 years." He added, "The National Assembly will do its utmost, together with the government, to ensure the event's success."

He continued, "Holding World Youth Day on the Korean Peninsula, where tensions have risen due to division and military confrontation, can serve as an opportunity for peace and reconciliation." He added, "We expect the Pope's message of peace and reconciliation to make a significant contribution to easing tensions on the Korean Peninsula."

The National Assembly and the Holy See agreed to work closely together to ensure the success of the Seoul World Youth Day and prepare for the Pope's visit to Korea, while continuing their solidarity in support of peace on the Korean Peninsula.

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