Lee Myung Bak, South Korean president invites Benedict XVI to Seul

The first meeting between the pope and the president of Korea, Lee Myung Bak has been a cordial one.

The president surprised Benedict with a photograph of Cardinal Kim, one of the pontiffs schoolmates. The pope gave the president medals from his pontificate.


Myung Bak, who is Protestant, has invited Benedict to South Korea. It would be the third trip a pope makes to that country. During his encounter they exchanged views on the economic crisis, the situation on the Korean peninsula, and cooperation between church and state in the education and social realms.

This time, the colorful moment came on behalf of the first lady who was dressed in white, a symbol of peace in Korea, in spite of protocol which normally calls for black as the standard color for these occasions.

BR/RS

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[urlady21]

@askjiir Germans do look a little scary. I for one was initially scared of him.

[urlady21]

@jigsgabas1 Pres. Lee Myung Bak wants the Pope to visit Seoul to bolster his (Pres.Lee) popularity in the Catholic community in Korea? FAIL!

[jigsgabas1]

isn't it only the Queen of Spain is allowed to wear white in the presence of the Pope or official meeting with the pope? i think i read something that has to do with being a Catholic Monarch that started with Isabela and Ferdinand.

[jigsgabas1]

@tantawi1992

well, maybe because there is a growing LARGE number of Catholics(10%) and other Christians(18.3%) in Korea, he thinks it would be nice for the POPE to visit, and this would also bolster the Image of Korea in the world stage, or maybe to gain the support of catholic voters in Korea for his party or for himself.... HAHAHA. i really don't know.

[bniagara]

the Koreans came to Rome, the first lady should have worn black, only women with the privilège du blanc are allowed to wear white while meeting His Holiness

[askjiir]

@Kleeeenex1

He sure has that "German" look to him..

[sgal88]

@tomsega Did you find the hitting the doorknob funny as well...I am glad I wasn't.

[aaron1983]

For QEII, the British [royalty] are an extremely proper people and good manners and proper conduct are inherent in them.

[aaron1983]

Protocol is there for a reason. Regardless, it was all taken lightly, except of course for those whose job is maintain diplomatic protocol and tradition.

God bless the Pope, St. Michael protect him!

[Kleeeenex1]

the pope looks like the devil himself!