WYD Seoul 2027: Organizers officially present the great world event of the Catholic Church

The Archdiocese of Seoul formally presented World Youth Day (WYD) Seoul 2027, an event of the Catholic Church that will make history for being the first time it has been held in a divided nation, in a non-Christian country and the second time it has been held in Asia.

This was indicated by Bishop Paul Kyung-sang Lee, Auxiliary Bishop of Seoul and general coordinator of WYD Seoul 2027, at a press conference held in the capital of South Korea on October 27.

The prelate also highlighted the presence of the Pope at this event that “transcends the borders of religion. It is a historic opportunity for Korea to share a message of peace, harmony and solidarity with the world.”

“Together with young people from around the world, we will reflect on the dignity of the human person rooted in the Gospel, we will strengthen the courage to face the challenges of our time and we will embrace the spiritual values ​​that guide humanity towards a future of life and hope,” the bishop stressed, according to the Archdiocese of Seoul.

WYD was established in 1985 during the pontificate of Saint John Paul II and had its first edition in Rome in 1986, welcoming more than 23.5 million participants in all its editions. In Manila 1995 (Philippines) alone there were almost four million young people, while the previous one, Lisbon 2023, was attended by 1.5 million.

At the press conference held at the Bus Park Convention Center of the Catholic University of Korea, the Archbishop of Seoul and president of the LOC (Local Organizing Committee), Bishop Peter Chung Soon-taick, highlighted that “Seoul in 2027 will be more than a host city. It will become a city of hope, a city of solidarity and a city of mission.”

About the WYD Seoul 2027 program

Bishop Lee said that the central axes of the event are truth, love and peace; and that in the case of the theme of love, care for creation will be included. Within this framework “more than 700 trees have already been planted to offset carbon emissions and this effort will continue until 2027,” he said.

The prelate specified that although WYD will be held from August 3 to 8, 2027, the event will begin with the usual “days in the dioceses”, in which participants will live the experience of local communities through parish programs and stays with host families in the 15 dioceses of Korea, from July 29 to August 2.

The main events include six central celebrations: the Opening Mass, which will be celebrated by the Archbishop of Seoul and concelebrated by bishops from 160 countries; the welcome ceremony with the Holy Father, the Youth Festival, the catechisms, the Via Crucis, the Vigil and the Closing Mass.

Support and coordination with the Korean government

Father Joseph Young-je Lee, executive secretary of the LOC, said there will be an estimated one million people at the closing Mass and presented plans on immigration processes, accommodation, food, transportation and security.

“Participation is completely free. This accessibility will allow young people from all over Korea, including those who are not Catholic, to join the celebration,” he highlighted.

Accommodation will be managed with 233 parishes of the Archdiocese of Seoul, with facilities separated by sex and spaces for minors accompanied by their group leaders.

For security, there will be the collaboration of the police, firefighters, medical personnel and volunteers, in addition to a protection system for minors.

WYD Seoul 2027, he specified, is “a national effort that cannot be carried out solely with private initiatives” and “the Local Organizing Committee will continue to work closely with the Holy See, the government, local authorities and civil organizations to guarantee the success of this event.”