Choue also met with seven students who are training in taekwondo, as part of an effort to continue the recent success of the sport in the city-state.

Boys aged between 13 and 17 years old at the Saint Pius X Institute practice taekwondo three times a week as part of their curriculum, thanks to a partnership created with the Italian Taekwondo Federation. 

The visit was made prior to the a World Taekwondo Grand Prix event in nearby Rome.

"I am grateful that the Vatican is a member of the World Taekwondo and I am delighted to see these students who training in taekwondo in the seminary," Choue said.

"As the secretary said, taekwondo is about more than winning; it is about challenging yourself to be the best you can be and treating others with understanding and respect. 

"As we always say: Peace is more Precious than Triumph."

Vatican Taekwondo is a part of the umbrella sporting body Vatican Athletics, which was established in 2019.

It was recognised as a World Taekwondo member in November 2021. 

President Choue and was received by Pope Francis on his last visit to the Vatican City in 2017.