Key facts
- Pope Leo XIV has expressed strong interest in peace on the Korean Peninsula.
- Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik believes a papal visit to North Korea is possible.
- The cardinal suggested stationing Catholic priests in North Korea could facilitate a papal visit.
- South Korean President Lee Jae Myung invited the Pope to visit South Korea for World Youth Day in 2027.
- The appointment of a new South Korean cardinal is anticipated.
Pope Leo XIV has a significant interest in fostering peace on the Korean Peninsula, according to Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik, prefect of the Vatican's Dicastery for the Clergy. During a press conference in Seoul, Cardinal You expressed hope that a papal visit to North Korea could be realized, suggesting that the presence of resident Catholic priests in Pyongyang would be a crucial step in creating favorable conditions.
Cardinal You noted that while Catholics and foreign diplomats reside in North Korea, there is currently no Catholic clergy stationed there. He believes that assigning one or two priests to Jangchung Cathedral in Pyongyang could help cultivate an atmosphere conducive to a papal visit. The possibility of such a visit is contingent on North Korea's stance and the broader diplomatic relations between Washington and Pyongyang.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican in June, extending an invitation for the Pope to visit South Korea for World Youth Day in 2027. Discussions during this meeting also touched upon the potential for a papal visit to North Korea.
Cardinal You, who maintains close communication with Pope Leo XIV, stated that the pontiff shares a similar level of concern for Korean Peninsula peace as his predecessor, Pope Francis. He recalled an intuition upon Leo XIV's election that he would focus on peace in the region, to which the Pope responded with a hopeful affirmation.
Additionally, Cardinal You addressed the prospect of appointing a new South Korean cardinal. He mentioned that while the Pope has not yet made new appointments since his election, they are expected soon, and he hopes a South Korean cardinal will be named before the 2027 World Youth Day. South Korea currently has two living cardinals, but neither is an active diocesan leader within the country.
Preparations for World Youth Day are proceeding steadily, with the Vatican and the Korean Catholic Church working in close coordination. Cardinal You emphasized the importance of participants feeling welcomed and expressed a desire for the government to simplify visa requirements for attendees.