Vatican awaits invitation from North Korean leader
(Baonghean.vn) - Vatican spokesman Greg Burke said on October 10 that the Vatican is waiting for an invitation from North Korea to Pope Francis, amid speculation about his visit to Pyongyang.
"The Vatican is waiting for an official invitation," Burke said in an interview with Yonhap news agency.
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| Pope Francis and South Korean President Moon Jae-in. Photo: AP |
According to the schedule, South Korean President Moon Jae-in will visit France and Italy from October 13-18, and visit the Vatican for two days from October 17-18.
Mr. Moon is expected to meet Pope Francis at noon on October 18. During this meeting, the South Korean President will convey the invitation of the North Korean leader to the Pope.
If realized, Pope Francis' visit to North Korea would help expand the international community's support for peace on the Korean Peninsula, according to analysts and Vatican officials.
In this regard, a Vatican official stressed that Pope Francis is admired by liberal Americans who have been critical of the nuclear negotiations between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
A Vatican official said: "A papal visit to North Korea could bring about a significant change in US public opinion, thereby influencing peace negotiations on the Korean Peninsula."
Another Vatican official said the Pope could decide to visit Pyongyang if President Moon addresses some concerns about accusations that the Vatican is being manipulated by North Korea./.
