With North Korea Snubbing Talks, Seoul Makes Long-Shot Bid for Pope’s Help

The Washington Post ^ | 12/6/21 | Michelle Ye Hee Lee and Chico Harlan

[marshmallow]

SEOUL — With attempts to restart nuclear negotiations with North Korea going nowhere, the president of South Korea is looking for help as his term heads into its final stretch. His long-shot hope: that Pope Francis can step in.

Allies of Moon Jae-in acknowledge that direct papal intervention is unlikely. Francis has said nothing about the notion of going to Pyongyang, but he was quoted by the Blue House — the South Korean presidential palace — as being willing to go, in the name of peace, “if he received an invitation” from Kim Jong Un’s government.

During a Vatican visit in late October, Moon urged the pontiff to visit North Korea to create a “momentum for peace.” It was the second such overture by Moon, a Roman Catholic, who first proposed the visit in 2018.

[hinckley buzzard]

Can’t see Bergoglio going to Nork. Or Norks inviting him. Why would they?

[NWFree]

They must be desperate 🤪

That doesn’t look good

[nascarnation]

So Dennis Rodman’s not available?

[ebb tide]

They’ll get about as much help from Bergoglio, as the poor, suffering Catholics in China and Cuba are getting from the Red Pope.

[Leaning Right]

Any appearance by Pope Francis anywhere is bound to make things worse. Better Seoul should send someone else, anyone else. Actor Jim Carrey speaks a little Korean. Send him.

[ebb tide]

James Franco would be better than Bergoglio, and less destructive.

The Interview