Pope Leo XIV meets South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung, reaffirming diplomatic ties, peace efforts, and the Church’s role in Korean society.
Newsroom (15/06/2026 Gaudium Press ) On Monday morning at the Apostolic Palace, Pope Leo XIV welcomed the President of the Republic of Korea, Lee Jae-myung, in a high-level meeting that reaffirmed more than six decades of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and South Korea.
Following his audience with the Pope, President Lee also met with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations. The discussions reflected both the strength of bilateral ties and shared concerns about global and regional challenges.
The relationship between the Holy See and the Republic of Korea dates back to 1963, and has since been marked by sustained engagement. Papal visits have played a notable role in deepening these connections, including trips by Pope St. John Paul II in 1984 and 1989, and by Pope Francis in 2014 for the 6th Asian Youth Day.
Focus on Cooperation and Social Contributions
At the Secretariat of State, talks emphasized the “good relations” between the two sides, while also highlighting the Catholic Church’s ongoing contribution to Korean society. According to the Holy See Press Office, both parties acknowledged the Church’s influence particularly in education and social welfare—areas where Catholic institutions remain active and visible.
These contributions were framed not only as domestic achievements but also as part of a broader commitment to human dignity and social cohesion, values often at the heart of Vatican diplomacy.
Discussions also extended to future collaboration, including anticipation of the World Youth Day scheduled for 2027. The global gathering of young Catholics is expected to further strengthen bonds between the Church and Korean faithful while showcasing the country’s role within the international Catholic community.
Regional Tensions and the Korean Peninsula
Beyond bilateral relations, the meetings touched on “certain aspects of the regional and international situation,” with particular attention implicitly directed toward the Korean Peninsula. The enduring division between North and South Korea remains one of the world’s longest-standing geopolitical tensions.
A day earlier, the issue of peace and reconciliation had already taken center stage during a Mass at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome. The celebration, presided over by Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-sik, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Clergy and former Bishop of Daejeon, was attended by President Lee.
In his homily, Cardinal You spoke candidly about the continuing division on the peninsula, describing it as a source of deep and ongoing suffering. “Brothers and sisters still live separated. What suffering could be greater than this?” he said, stressing that peace must remain a non-negotiable goal.
A Call for Dialogue Over Confrontation
Addressing President Lee directly, Cardinal You urged South Korea to offer a global example by prioritizing dialogue and reconciliation. “Dialogue is stronger than confrontation, reconciliation stronger than hatred, and trust stronger than fear,” he said—words that encapsulated both a spiritual and diplomatic vision.
The Cardinal emphasized that true peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the result of deliberate and sustained efforts. These include sincere dialogue, respect for human dignity, and a willingness to understand the perspectives of others.
He further noted that even in situations where dialogue appears impossible, the path to peace begins with a willingness to listen. Compassion and communication, he argued, must replace violence and indifference in addressing conflict.
The Church’s Role in Promoting Peace
Throughout his remarks, Cardinal You underscored the Catholic Church’s commitment—under the guidance of Pope Leo XIV—to safeguarding human dignity and fostering peace worldwide. This mission, he said, is particularly urgent in a global context marked by rising tensions, indifference, and conflict.
Drawing on the legacy of Pope Francis, the Cardinal recalled the late pontiff’s 2014 visit to South Korea, during which he met families of victims of the Sewol ferry tragedy. Pope Francis’ approach, characterized by silent prayer and compassionate presence, exemplified a model of pastoral care rooted in solidarity with those who suffer.
“Before human suffering, one cannot be neutral,” Pope Francis had said at the time—a message that, according to Cardinal You, resonated deeply within Korean society and continues to serve as a guiding principle.
Compassion as a Path Forward
Concluding his reflections, Cardinal You warned against the growing prevalence of indifference and selfishness in today’s world, where violence and force often overshadow compassion. He called on both political and religious leaders to reaffirm their commitment to the common good by standing alongside those who are wounded.
“The way of the Gospel,” he said, “does not consist in creating divisions, but in standing beside those who suffer.”
A Meeting Framed by Hope
The Vatican encounter between Pope Leo XIV and President Lee Jae-myung thus carried significance beyond formal diplomacy. It served as a platform for reaffirming shared values—peace, dialogue, and human dignity—while addressing persistent challenges on the Korean Peninsula and beyond.
As both leaders look ahead, their discussions suggest a continued commitment to collaboration, grounded in a belief that even in the most difficult circumstances, hope and reconciliation remain possible.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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