▲ President Lee Jae-myung meets with Pope Leo XIV
President Lee Jae-myung stated that "peace on the Korean Peninsula and peace in the wider world are deeply connected."
In a written message regarding the '2027 World Youth Day' released through the Vatican's news agency Agenzia Fides on Tuesday, President Lee stated, "Every effort to enhance understanding, trust, and mutual respect contributes to the peace that all of humanity seeks."
Regarding the theme verse for next year's World Youth Day, "Take courage. I have conquered the world" (John 16:33), President Lee remarked, "At a time when conflict and division are testing the foundations of peace and coexistence, it reminds us that hope is stronger than fear, dialogue is more powerful than confrontation, and solidarity is the surest path to navigating uncertainty."
He continued, "I have great expectations for welcoming Pope Leo XIV," adding, "The Pope's visit to Seoul will serve as a reminder that moral leadership, compassion, and dialogue remain essential elements in a divided world."
He further added, "I hope that through the meeting between the Pope and the youth, the new generation will move toward the future with courage, generosity, and a determination to dedicate themselves to others and the common good."
"For Koreans, these aspirations hold special meaning," he emphasized. "As the Korean Peninsula remains divided, we deeply understand the yearning for reconciliation and lasting peace."
President Lee also explained, "Korea's modern history shows that even in difficult times, hope can overcome fear and solidarity can overcome division. We have witnessed that dialogue can open paths that once seemed closed, and that by cooperating with one another, we can overcome difficulties that once seemed insurmountable."
He concluded by saying, "I hope that the young people gathering in Seoul in 2027 will return home carrying this spirit. If they do, World Youth Day will leave a legacy of courage, friendship, and peace for the next generation, reaching beyond Korea to the wider world."
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.