Pope Francis receives an invitation from Kim Jong Un to visit North Korea

Pope Francis has received an invitation from Kim Jong Un to visit North Korea, and said he would consider the invitation.

CNN reports the offer was conveyed verbally by South Korean President Moon Jae‑in during his visit to the Vatican.

The invitation comes at a time when the North Korean leader is on a diplomatic outreach campaign, holding several summits in recent months with the leaders of South Korea and of China, and meeting with US President Donald Trump.

CNN reports the Vatican declined to comment on whether the Pope would accept, but no pope has ever visited North Korea.

North Korea's proposal could come under scrutiny because of the country's track record on religious tolerance.

The advocacy group Open Doors USA claims that as many as 50,000 Christians are held in prison camps, hard labor camps, re‑education camps, and detention centers in North Korea.

[Source: CNN]