President Park Geun-hye said Wednesday she eagerly hopes that Pope Francis will visit South Korea to help promote social cohesion in the nation.
Park made the remark during a meeting with Cardinal Fernando Filoni, prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples at the Vatican.
"I am well aware that the Pope has a very busy schedule, but I hope he will make sure to visit South Korea," Park said. "Not only Roman Catholics, but Christians are also hoping to see the Pope. I hope (he) will make a visit and help cure (social) discord in South Korea."
Filoni offered Park a rosary, saying it is a special present the Pope asked him to give to her. Park expressed gratitude.
The cardinal has been on a visit to South Korea in part to mark the 50 years of diplomatic relations between Korea and the Roman Curia. (Yonhap News)
