Thursday, October 18, 2018

Pope expresses willingness to visit N. Korea

Pope Francis says he would be willing to visit North Korea if he receives an official invitation. South Korean President Moon Jae-in invited the Pope to visit Pyongyang on behalf on North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during their meeting in the Vatican Thursday.


Bruce Harrison reports from Seoul.



Pope Francis would be the first Pope to visit North Korea if he makes the trip.


While visiting the Vatican, President Moon Jae-in offered leader Kim Jong-un's invitation to the Pope.


Seoul's presidential office told reporters the Pope said he would surely respond to any official invitation from Pyongyang and he could possibly go.


Kim expressed interest in a visit by the Pope during last month's inter-Korean summit.


It was unclear how Pope Francis would respond. Human rights organizations have condemned North Korea for vast human rights abuses and the persecution of Christians.


SOC