President Lee Jae-myung meets Cardinal Yuhung-sik - The role and potential of the Vatican for peace on the Korean Peninsula

Introduction: The Voice of Religion in the Landscape of Diplomacy

The issue of peace on the Korean Peninsula remains a diplomatic challenge surrounded by complex variables such as politics, military matters, and the economy over a long period. Even after the Cold War, the Korean Peninsula, which remains in a state of division, has continuously attracted the attention of the international community. In this context, various diplomatic attempts for peacebuilding have been undertaken. Among these, the symbolism and morality of religion have drawn attention as a new diplomatic avenue. On July 7, 2025, President Lee Jae-myung met with Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-sik at the Yongsan Presidential Office. This was the first official meeting with a religious figure since the president's inauguration, and it was a gathering where substantial peace diplomacy was discussed, particularly focusing on the proposal for the pope's visit to South Korea and North Korea. Cardinal You Heung-sik is currently the Minister of the Clergy at the Vatican and is a trusted figure of Pope Leo XIII. This meeting went beyond mere courtesy it opened up possibilities for how the religious diplomatic channel of the Vatican could contribute to peace on the Korean Peninsula. This essay will explore the practical influence and limitations the Vatican may have as a mediator or symbolic envoy for peace on the Korean Peninsula, focusing on the Vatican's response to the proposal for the pope’s visit to North Korea.

Main Body: The Historical Background of Papal Diplomacy and Its Status in the International Community

The Vatican is one of the oldest diplomatic entities in the world, a unique sovereign institution that has maintained a strong moral influence without military power. Currently, the Vatican has official diplomatic relations with 183 countries and operates as an observer state within the United Nations. The core of Vatican diplomacy is based on universal values such as human rights, justice, peace, and respect for life. Historically, the Vatican has played a mediating role in international affairs, supporting the Polish democratization movement during the Cold War, criticizing authoritarian regimes in Latin America, and aiding refugees from Iraq and Syria. Notably, during the border dispute between Argentina and Chile in 1978, Pope John Paul II intervened diplomatically to prevent armed conflict between the two nations, ultimately leading to a peaceful resolution. This precedent shows that the Vatican functions not merely as a religious institution but as an independent global player engaging in nonviolent diplomacy.

The interest and actions the Vatican has shown on the Korean Peninsula

The Vatican has shown continuous interest in the issues of the Korean Peninsula in the past. The visits of John Paul II to Korea in 1984 and 1989 were significant milestones not only for the growth of Korean Catholicism but also for playing a peaceful role in Northeast Asia. Pope Francis also visited Korea in 2014 and expressed special interest in the divided Korean Peninsula by stating that 'peace is achieved through patience.' In 2018, then-President Moon Jae-in officially proposed to the Pope a visit to North Korea, conveying the wishes of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. At that time, the Pope responded that he would 'positively consider' an official invitation from North Korea, which elicited a certain level of response within the North. Although it did not lead to a specific schedule, the discussions about a papal visit to North Korea reaffirmed that the Vatican is a channel for diplomatic possibilities based on neutrality and morality regarding the issues of the Korean Peninsula.

Implications of the 2025 Meeting between Lee Jae-myung and Yoo Heung-sik

In July 2025, President Lee Jae-myung directly proposed the possibility of a visit to North Korea during a meeting with Cardinal Yoo Heung-sik, alongside the planned visit of Pope Leo XIII to South Korea. During this meeting, President Lee suggested, "How about the Pope visiting North Korea on his way to attend the 2027 World Youth Day (WYD) in Seoul?" This statement aimed to convey both religious symbolism and a political message simultaneously. Cardinal Yoo responded by stating, "The Pope has a continuous interest in peace on the Korean Peninsula," expressing a positive stance. He particularly emphasized that "the Pope considers his relationship with the Korean government and the people to be very important," implying that the Vatican's commitment goes beyond mere diplomatic rhetoric. This meeting is noteworthy as it discusses the possibility of a visit to North Korea, in addition to the Pope's visit, while preparing for the 2027 WYD. This serves as an example of how religious diplomacy can contribute to easing tensions in a manner different from traditional military and political approaches.

Practical mediation possibilities and realistic limitations

The possibility that the Vatican can make a substantial contribution to peace on the Korean Peninsula certainly exists. First of all, the Pope is one of the few Western figures who has not publicly criticized North Korea. This is because he bases his authority on moral rather than political power. A visit by the Pope to North Korea could serve as a symbolic opportunity for the North to maintain its dignity while attempting dialogue with the international community. Furthermore, the Vatican maintains stable relations with major powers such as China, the United States, and Russia, which allows it to act as a diplomatic balancer. A humanitarian and moral approach, rather than military intervention or political demands, may relatively lower the regime’s vigilance in North Korea. However, there are indeed practical constraints. Most importantly, there is no official diplomatic channel between North Korea and the Vatican, and religious activities within North Korea are still extremely restricted. Thus, for a papal visit to be realized, prior coordination and diplomatic guarantees will be necessary. There is also a possibility that the Pope's visit could be reduced to a symbolic event, with limited potential for actual denuclearization or military trust-building. Additionally, within South Korean society, there may be critical public opinion regarding the close relationship between certain religions and political powers, which could raise questions about the purity and neutrality of religious diplomacy.

Conclusion: Can the Holy See Be a Quiet Yet Strong Diplomatic Channel

The Vatican is presenting a new approach to the peace discussions on the Korean Peninsula as a moral diplomatic entity that transcends secular power. President Lee Jae-myung's proposal for the Pope to visit North Korea and Cardinal Yoo Hong-sik's active mediation are the first steps to materialize this possibility. If the Pope's visit to North Korea becomes a reality, it could serve not merely as a diplomatic event, but as a symbolic turning point for reducing tensions on the Korean Peninsula. While substantial denuclearization and normalization of inter-Korean relations should be centered around military, economic, and political dialogues, religious diplomacy can create a conducive atmosphere for this process and establish the groundwork for trust as a 'quiet channel.' Therefore, the Vatican is certainly worth considering as one of the multilayered diplomatic strategies for peace on the Korean Peninsula, and it is also necessary to establish a diplomatic cooperation system that the international community can support. The symbolism and morality the Vatican possesses are not to be taken lightly as diplomatic assets. They represent a special language that can move hearts and speak of peace in places where the pressures and strategies of great powers cannot reach.