Diplomatic representatives from Latin America and Europe met Church organizers on Feb. 4 for an international briefing on World Youth Day Seoul 2027, as preparations continue for the global Catholic event scheduled in South Korea.
The briefing, held at Omnibus Park on the campus of The Catholic University of Korea, brought together about 30 ambassadors, consuls, and diplomatic officials from 25 countries.
It was organized in response to growing inquiries from diplomatic missions about participation in the 2027 gathering, according to the Committee for Communications of the Archdiocese of Seoul.
The Apostolic Nunciature facilitated the meeting, creating a platform for dialogue between diplomats and the World Youth Day Seoul 2027 Local Organizing Committee, which presented detailed information and addressed questions from participants.
Those in attendance included Giovanni Gaspari, apostolic nuncio to Korea; Kyung-sang Lee, general coordinator of the local organizing committee; and Simone Nam-kyun Kim, secretary-general of the committee, along with other members of the organizing team.
The main presentation was delivered by Fabiano Rebeggiani, vice director of the committee’s International Division, who outlined the vision and key programs of World Youth Day Seoul 2027. He also briefed diplomats on preparations related to international travel, visa procedures, accommodation, medical services, and safety measures for overseas pilgrims.
“World Youth Day Seoul 2027 will be the first World Youth Day to be held in a non-Christian-majority country and the second to take place in Asia. It will offer young people a profound encounter with God and Christ, while allowing them to experience the universality of the Church,” Rebeggiani said.
He acknowledged logistical hurdles for international participants, particularly those from distant regions. “We are aware that travel and visa procedures present challenges, especially for young people from distant regions. For this reason, we wish to work closely with diplomatic partners to facilitate their participation,” he said.
Emphasizing collaboration, Rebeggiani added: “We have gathered here to begin a spirit of cooperation, so that together we may support young people who are already making great efforts to participate.”
He also pointed to the distinct history of the Catholic Church in Korea, noting its origins through lay initiative and its growth through martyrdom. He said World Youth Day Seoul 2027 would offer young people space to seek truth, pray for peace, and share reconciliation and hope amid realities of division.
During the briefing, ambassadors, consuls, and other officials expressed strong interest in the event and engaged in discussions on the participation of young people from their respective countries.
The local organizing committee stressed the need for early coordination with national bishops’ conferences to estimate expected numbers of participants, a factor it said is crucial for finalizing airline arrangements and accommodation plans. It also encouraged sustained communication and cooperation with diplomatic missions.
Organizers reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the universal Church and international partners to ensure coordinated preparations for welcoming young people from around the world to World Youth Day Seoul 2027.
