Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taek of Seoul has expressed his delight and optimism following the announcement that the South Korean capital will host the 2027 World Youth Day (WYD).
During the culmination of the World Youth Day Mass on August 6th in Portugal, Pope Francis revealed that Seoul has been chosen to host the international WYD gathering in 2027.
In a Vatican News interview, the South Korean prelate said the next WYD will be an occasion to “taste Korean culture, a different taste, but they also will feel unity in Christ”.
Archbishop Chung Soon-taek said the WYD is a “great opportunity for all of us because although the culture and language are different, we can feel we are the same, God’s people, we are one”.
The prelate is optimistic that the event will serve as a platform for young people to connect with Korean culture while understanding the diversity prevalent in Asia, where Christian communities often coexist with different faiths as minorities.
He said the Church in Korea will relaunch the youth ministry, which faced setbacks due to the Covid-19 pandemic, to gather the help and volunteers necessary to address possible logistical challenges.
Archbishop Chung Soon-taek said the WYD provides an extraordinary opportunity for young people not only in Korea but across the globe.
He said the event is a stepping stone for young individuals to become future leaders within both the Church and society, underlining the importance of guiding them toward responsible leadership roles.
The prelate said that this occasion would shine a spotlight not only on South Korea but also on the entire Asian continent as hosts of WYD.
He extended an invitation to other nations, expressing a desire for collaboration in preparation for the next WYD.
