A North Korean delegation refused an invitation from the South to attend a Mass of reconciliation which the pope will celebrate at the Myeong-dong Cathedral, seat of the Archdiocese of Seoul.
The pope‘s message was clearly aimed at the North as well as to encourage his Southern hosts.
„For diplomacy, as the art of the possible, is based on the firm and persevering conviction that peace can be won through quiet listening and dialogue, rather than by mutual recriminations, fruitless criticisms and displays of force,“ said Francis.