"U.S. media reported that Pope Francis' schedule next year doesn't include a trip to North Korea, but we never know ... If he wants, he can go anytime. (The trip) isn't necessarily related to his schedule for next year," he said.

"I think Pope's visit will be a good chance for Chairman Kim Jong-un ... It could encourage (Kim) to give up on nukes," he said.

"If North Korea brings up denuclearization issues during Pope's visit there, he could even play an arbitrator's role."

Adding that the Vatican prefers quiet diplomacy, Archbishop Hyginus said he hoped the Vatican proceed with the visit in a quiet manner.

During the conference, he also revealed that he had sent a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump, pleading for more generosity towards the North.

"Last week, I, as chairman of the Korean Conference of Religions for Peace, sent him a letter, asking him to take into consideration North Korea's efforts on denuclearization and for relief of economic sanctions," he said.

Separately from the North Korean issues, he hoped South Korea becomes more open and generous to the under-privileged in the New Year. (Yonhap)