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Pope Francis could become the first pope to visit North Korea, after the head of the Catholic Church received an invitation from Kim Jong Un. weekend.
"During the meeting with Pope Francis, [Mr. Moon] will relay the message of chairman Kim Jong Un that he would ardently welcome the Pope if he visits [the North Korean capital] Pyongyang, "said Moon's spokesman, Kim Eui-kyeom.
The invitation to the Korean Peninsula, the spokesman added, noting that Kim asked for the last month.
The Vatican does not have diplomatic relations with North Korea, which has a few hundred to around 4,000 Catholics living in the country.
"Let's wait for the invitation to arrive," Vatican spokesman said after being asked about the likelihood of a future visit, according to Reuters.
While Francis could be the first pope to visit North Korea, he is not the first pope to receive an invitation. Kim's father, Kim Jong Il, invited Pope John Paul II to visit the country in 2000 after the pope said that it would be a "miracle" to visit the country. The visit never took place, with the Vatican stating that in order for the Polish pope to make the trip, North Korea would have to accept Catholic priests.
Francis expressed his desire for peace between the two countries while returning from a trip to South Korea in 2014.
"When you speak the same language it is because you have the same mother, and this gives us hope. The suffering of the division is great, and it understand that it ends, "said Francis, according to the Associated Press.
North Korea "considers the spread of Christianity a particularly serious threat." It goes on to say that those who practice their religion face persecution. are "subject to severe punishments."
A heart for peace in the Korean Peninsula will be held on October 17 by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, one day before Francis meets with the South Korean president.
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