July 9, 2009. Myung Bak, who is Protestant, has invited Benedict to South Korea. It would be the third trip a pope makes to that country.

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 pontiff’s schoolmates. The pope gave the president medals from his pontificate.

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