Pope expresses wish to visit Japan next year

Sep 13, 2018 | News On Japan

Sep 13, 2018 (NHK) - Pope Francis says he wants to visit Japan next year for the first time since assuming the papacy in 2013.

The Pope met in the Vatican on Wednesday with activists from Japan campaigning to publicize the history of a Japanese delegation sent to Europe more than 400 years ago.

The pontiff told them he hopes he can realize his wish to visit Japan.

The last pope to visit Japan was John Paul the Second in 1981.

Japan's government has repeatedly extended an invitation to Francis. The Pope has gone on record as a supporter of nuclear disarmament.

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