Representatives from 190 countries will gather in South Korea this month as preparations for the 2027 Seoul World Youth Day move into a more operational phase.
About 400 youth ministry representatives, members of the International Youth Advisory Body, organizing committee officials, and volunteers are expected to attend the second International Preparatory Meeting from Sept. 14 to 17 at Nest Hotel in Incheon, according to the Archdiocese of Seoul.
The gathering will focus on practical preparations for the global Catholic youth event, including participant registration, pilgrim recruitment, entry procedures, diocesan programs and the main World Youth Day events.
Delegates will also be shown the registration system and pilgrim app and briefed on the journey participants will take from their arrival in South Korea through their participation in WYD.
The meeting is jointly organized by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, the 2027 Seoul World Youth Day Organizing Committee and the Archdiocese of Seoul, with support from South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, prefect of the dicastery, is expected to attend, review preparations, and meet participants.
The gathering follows the first International Preparatory Meeting held in Rome in May 2024.
Sessions will cover the meaning of World Youth Day, the pastoral significance of the 2027 Seoul gathering, pilgrim recruitment, preparations for participation, diocesan events and the main WYD program.
Organizers will also introduce delegates to Korean Church life and culture ahead of the 2027 event.
A K-Culture Night on Sept. 14 will feature Taepyeongmu and Hallyangmu traditional dances, K-pop dance, and samulnori performances. Participants will also be able to try Korean traditional games, including jegichagi and ttakjichigi.
The DID EXPO on Sept. 15 will present programs being prepared by dioceses for pilgrims before the main WYD gathering. Thirteen of South Korea’s 15 dioceses are expected to participate.
Delegates will travel to Seoul on Sept. 16 for Mass at Myeongdong Cathedral. Archbishop Chung Soon-taick will preside over the Mass in English, with the 2027 Seoul WYD choir and orchestra taking part.
The four-day meeting will conclude Sept. 17 with a farewell Mass presided over by Bishop Lee Kyung-sang before participants depart for their respective countries.
The Archdiocese of Seoul said the meeting will allow organizers to review preparations with youth ministry representatives from around the world, gather feedback from participating countries, and further develop plans for the 2027 gathering.
