Pope considers 2027 South Korea visit to boost inter‑Korean dialogue

South Korean President Lee Jae‑Myung has formally invited Pope Leone XIV to attend the World Youth Day scheduled for Seoul in 2027 and asked the pontiff to consider a stop in the Demilitarized Zone and, if possible, a visit to North Korea. The Pope responded that he will take the proposals under consideration.

Korean bishops recently toured the DMZ, praying at the Joint Security Area and urging an end to hostilities and greater mutual respect between the two Koreas. Church officials and NGOs such as Peace3000 argue that a papal trip to the North could significantly improve the peninsula’s peace prospects and enhance North Korea’s international image. The proposal revives similar efforts made during former President Moon Jae‑in’s administration in 2018.