Pope Leo XIV, elected as the 267th pope, visited Korea four times in the past.
According to the Korean branch of the Augustinian Order on the 9th, Pope Leo XIV visited Korea four times in 2002, 2005, 2008, and 2010 during his tenure as the superior general of the order. He met with members of the Korean branch and attended the branch assembly at that time.
While the Korean branch is relatively small among the Augustinian communities worldwide, it was directly under the superior general at that time, rather than under a province. Thus, it is interpreted that Pope Leo XIV took a special interest in the Korean branch and personally visited to meet with the members. Currently, the Korean branch is under the Australian province.
The Korean branch stated in a post shared on social media that "(during Leo XIV's tenure as superior general) he showed great interest and offered much advice on matters concerning the Korean community," adding, "He was someone who always called the names of the brothers with a warm smile, listened to their questions, and answered them."
Additionally, the Korean branch introduced that Pope Leo XIV recognized and well-accepted the cultures of other countries. In fact, during his visit to Korea, Pope Leo XIV reportedly visited Bongeunsa Temple in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, and sat on the floor with monks to drink tea. He was also known to be proficient in using chopsticks, even using them while eating noodles.
The Korean branch noted, "He preferred to ride the subway with young brothers instead of using the car prepared for him, and when we took him to the airport, he carried his own luggage, showing humility and simplicity without concern for formality."
It continued, "We believe that God has sent the shepherd needed in this era," and added, "We should also join in prayer to help our shepherd, Pope Leo XIV, fulfill the duties entrusted to him by God."