President Lee Jae Myung on June 15 talks with Pope Leo XIV in Vatican City. (Cheong Wa Dae)

By Jeong Euiseok

President Lee Jae Myung has made his first visit to Vatican City while in office -- and the first by a Korean head of state in five years -- and held private talks with Pope Leo XIV.

Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung in a written briefing said both sides on the morning of June 15 broadly discussed developments on the Korean Peninsula, preparations for Seoul's hosting of the 2027 World Youth Day (WYD) and major global issues.

President Lee explained his administration's efforts to resolve inter-Korean issues through dialogue instead of confrontation to ease tension, restore trust and establish a permanent peace on the peninsula.

The pope agreed with such efforts and urged both Koreas to move forward on the path of dialogue despite difficult circumstances.

President Lee also expressed his intent to invite Pope Leo next year to Korea for Seoul's hosting of WYD and pledged full support to ensure that the event promotes solidarity among youth worldwide.

The pope thanked the Lee administration's interest in the Korean Catholic Church and efforts to back the event.

In subsequent talks with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, secretary of state of Vatican City, President Lee covered the situation on the peninsula, growing uncertainty over the global order and complex world crises.

Reports say the potential for Pope Leo visiting North Korea was discussed at the meeting. The cardinal said he is closely following the role of the Korean Catholic Church in promoting inter-Korean peace and stability.

After completing his visit to Vatican City, President Lee on June 16 is slated to go to the French resort town of Evian-les-Bains, the venue of the two-day G7 summit of the world's seven major industrial powers.

innocence@korea.kr