심선아
| 2026-07-03 14:39:51
pope-Korean peace
Pope shows strong interest in Korean Peninsula peace: cardinal
SEOUL, July 3 (Yonhap) -- Pope Leo XIV has a strong interest in promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula, a South Korean cardinal said Friday, expressing hope that a resident Catholic priest could be stationed in North Korea to help create conditions for a future papal visit.
Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik, prefect of the Vatican's Dicastery for the Clergy, made the remarks during a press conference in Seoul, where he is visiting for the summer.
"The pope is very interested in peace on the Korean Peninsula," You said, adding the possibility of a papal trip to Pyongyang would depend largely on North Korea's stance and broader relations between Washington and Pyongyang.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met the pope at the Vatican last month and invited him to visit South Korea for World Youth Day in Seoul in 2027. The possibility of a papal visit to North Korea was also discussed during the meeting, according to officials.
You, who communicates closely with the pontiff, said Leo XIV shares a similar level of interest in Korean Peninsula peace as his predecessor, Pope Francis.
"When Pope Leo XIV was elected last year, I had a strong intuition that he would do something for peace on the Korean Peninsula," You said. "When I shared this hope, he replied, 'I hope so too,' indicating he is ready to do whatever he can for peace."
The cardinal also highlighted the absence of Catholic clergy in North Korea, noting that Protestant pastors, Buddhist monks and Russian Orthodox priests are present in the country.
"There are Catholics in North Korea, as well as among foreign diplomats stationed there," he said. "If one or two resident priests could be stationed at Jangchung Cathedral in Pyongyang, it would help create an atmosphere conducive to a papal visit."
On the possibility of appointing a new South Korean cardinal, You said the pope has yet to name any new cardinals since his election but is expected to do so soon. He expressed hope that a South Korean cardinal would be appointed ahead of the 2027 World Youth Day.
During last month's meeting, Lee conveyed the Korean Catholic community's wish for the appointment of an active cardinal in South Korea. The pope responded that he would give special consideration to Korea if new appointments are made.
South Korea currently has two living cardinals, but neither serves as an active diocesan leader within the country. Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung retired as archbishop of Seoul in 2021, while Cardinal You is stationed at the Vatican.
Turning to preparations for World Youth Day, now just over a year away, You said the Vatican and the Korean Catholic Church are working steadily in close coordination.
"It is important that young people who visit Korea feel a great sense of love during their stay," he said, recalling his own experience of accompanying youths to past events.
"I often see the values of the younger generations open and reshape through the gatherings," You added, calling on the government to ease visa requirements for participants.
(END)
[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]