Kim Jong-un invites the Pope to visit Pyongyang
North Korean leader invites Pope Francis to Pyongyang in a move to emphasize peace-building efforts.
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| Pope Francis speaks to believers at the Vatican in 2017. Photo: Reuters. |
North Korea and the Vatican do not have diplomatic relations, so South Korean President Moon Jae-in will deliver an invitation from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to the Pope next week during his trip to Europe,Reutersquoted Blue House spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom said today.
"President Moon will visit the Vatican on October 17 and 18 to reaffirm his support for stability and peace on the Korean Peninsula," Kim Eui-kyeom said at a press conference. "In particular, when he meets Pope Francis, the president will convey Chairman Kim's message that he warmly welcomes the pope to visit Pyongyang."
The North Korean leader told the South Korean president of his desire to meet the Pope at last month's summit, the first time a North Korean leader has extended an invitation to the Pope since 2000.
Kim Jong-un met with US President Donald Trump in Singapore in June, pledging to work towards the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. Although North Korea's actions have yet to meet US expectations, the two countries are planning to hold a second summit.
Meanwhile, South Korea and North Korea have had three summits this year, after a tense year with a series of missile and nuclear tests by Pyongyang.
The South Korean president's European tour, which runs from October 13 to 21, is mainly to attend the Asia-Europe Meeting in Belgium. Mr. Moon will also stop in France, Italy and Denmark.