Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-sik speaks to reporters Friday at the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea offices in Seoul. Photo by Asia Today
July 3 (Asia Today) -- A possible visit by Pope Leo XIV to North Korea will depend largely on Pyongyang's attitude and the state of relations between North Korea and the United States, a senior South Korean cardinal said Friday.
"The possibility of Pope Leo XIV visiting North Korea depends on the position of the North Korean authorities," Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-sik told reporters in Seoul. "Relations between North Korea and the United States are the most important factor."
"If even a small door opens, it could become an opportunity to expand relations," he said. "I hope that time comes soon."
You, 74, is prefect of the Vatican's Dicastery for the Clergy. He spoke at the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea offices in Seoul's Gwangjin district while visiting South Korea for his summer vacation.
