Pope Francis says he is open to visiting North Korea

Pope Francis, at a meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, has said he is willing to visit North Korea.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had asked Moon to tell the Pope of the invitation. According to Yonhap, the Korean news agency, Moon's press secretary told reporters the Pope said he would accept "if an invitation arrives and I can go.'"

The Pope reportedly praised Moon's efforts to promote peace in the Korean peninsula.

"Move forward without stopping. Do not be afraid," the Pope told Moon, according to Yonhap.