BREAKING North Korean leader invites Pope Francis to Pyongyang

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has recently invited Pope Francis to visit Pyongyang, the South Korean presidential office said Tuesday.

"Chairman Kim said he will 'ardently welcome the pope if he visits Pyongyang'," Kim Eui-kyeom, spokesman for Cheong Wa Dae, said during a press briefing to announce President Moon Jae-in's plan to visit Europe next week, which would include a stop at the Vatican on Oct. 17 and 18.

Moon will deliver this message from the Pyongyang leader when he meets with the pope, according to the spokesman.

During the meeting, the president will seek the pope's blessing and support for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and discuss ways for future cooperation with the Vatican, Kim said. (Yonhap)