Will the Vatican Mediate Peace Between North and South Korea?

Winchester, VA – The Catholic president of South Korea sent Bishop Hyginus Kim Hee-jong, Archbishop of Gwangju and President of the Korean Bishops Conference to speak with Vatican officials and recruit the assistance of Pope Francis in mediating negotiations for reconciliation between North and South Korea. Bishop Kim told Catholic News Agency that the mediation could resemble the mediation made during the restoration of relations between Cuba and the United States. He stressed in his meeting with Cardinal Parolin that dialogue is really the only way out of the tense situation between the two nations, and explained his reason for turning to the Church for mediation, saying, “The Catholic Church is a reference point in South Korea. For any issue of national interest, they look at the Catholic Church, and look for the Church’s statements and recommendations.”