While on a tour of Europe, President Lee held a private meeting with the Pope at the Vatican, accompanied only by an interpreter. The details of their discussion remain confidential, as is customary for such meetings.
President Lee also met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's Secretary of State, to request the Holy See's interest and constructive role in regional issues.
This meeting gained attention amid controversy surrounding a joint Korea-EU statement condemning military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, as well as principles of denuclearization. Following a summit in Brussels on June 10, President Lee issued the statement, which prompted a strong rebuke from North Korea, describing South Korea as an unchanging adversary.
During a ceremony marking the 26th anniversary of the June 15 North-South summit at Yonsei University in Seoul, Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik read a commemorative speech in which President Lee stated, "The June 15 North-South summit and the joint declaration were the starting point for peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula," and promised that the government would not cease efforts for peace and coexistence.
The Blue House noted that Pope Leo XIV is the first pope from the United States, highlighting the significance of U.S.-North Korea relations in discussions about North Korea's nuclear issues and peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Analysts suggest that Pope Leo XIV could play a new connecting role in U.S.-North Korea relations. Notably, he has visited South Korea five times prior to his papacy and is regarded as having a deep understanding of the country.
Cardinal Yoo Heung-sik, the first Korean to serve as the Vatican's Minister of Clergy, mentioned in an interview with South Korean reporters that Pope Leo XIV expressed a willingness to visit North Korea if invited, stating, "Ultimately, it depends on North Korea."
Following his visits to Belgium, Italy, and the Vatican, President Lee departed for France on June 16 to attend the G7 summit.
Leaders from G7 nations and invited countries will gather in Évian-les-Bains, southwestern France, until June 17 to discuss international issues, including geopolitical crises and global economic challenges. This marks President Lee's second consecutive year participating in discussions with major world leaders after attending the G7 summit in Canada last year.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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