North Korean leader invites the Pope to Pyongyang [VIDEO]

Pope Francis greets faithful at the end of his meeting with youths attending the Synod, at the Vatican, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. AP-Yonhap

By Oh Young-jin

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will invite Pope Francis to the communist nation's capital Pyongyang, promising a "fervent welcome" during the papal visit, Cheong Wa Dae said Tuesday.

In a briefing, presidential spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom said Kim's invitation would be delivered to the Pope when President Moon Jae-in visits Vatican City.

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Moon is expected to visit the Vatican on Oct. 17-18, part of a nine-day European tour starting Oct. 13.

"President Moon suggested that Chairman Kim meet the Pope, pointing out that he is very much interested in peace on the Korean Peninsula," Kim told reporters. "Kim promised Moon he would give a fervent welcome to the Pope if he visited Pyongyang."

It is yet to be confirmed whether the Pope will accept Kim's invitation. The Pope, who visited South Korea in 2014, prayed for peace before the June 12 summit between Kim and U.S. President Donald Trump.