10/18/2018 North Korea (International Christian Concern) – Pope Francis states he is willing to visit North Korea if given an official invite during a meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in.
During a visit to the Vatican, the South Korean President had a private audience with the Pope. During the meeting, President Moon Jae-in relayed a message from the North Korean President stating the North Korean leader’s desire for Pope Francis to visit North Korea.
A visit from the Pope to North Korea would be the first of its kind in a country that strictly controls all religious activities. Although the message is not an official invitation, Pope Francis believes it to be satisfactory and would be “pleased to be sent an official invitation”.
North Korea is ranked as the most oppressive place in the world for Christians by religious freedom watchdog Open Doors. Anybody engaged in religious practice is subject to arrest, torture and possible public execution if discovered by the authorities.
For interviews with Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org.
