------------------------
(Originally published by the Archdiocese of Seoul on August 6, 2023. Reposted with permission.)
------------------------

The Catholic Church in South Korea will make every effort to make the World Youth Day (WYD) 2027 serve for the common good of mankind in unity in Christ, Archbishop Peter Soon-Taick CHUNG, O.C.D., the Archbishop of Seoul, said.

Pointing out that WYD Seoul 2027 is the second to be hosted in Asia, Archbishop Peter CHUNG said the Seoul Archdiocese will make an effort to help participants feel unity through the rich and diverse cultural traditions of Asia. The last WYD in Asia was held in Manila, Philippines, in 1995.

The prelate expressed deep gratitude for the Holy Father’s choice of Seoul as the next venue of WYD. “I am very happy and honored that Seoul will be a gathering place for the world's youth. The WYD is an event for the fraternal, spiritual, and social good of all mankind and their benefit.”

Cardinal Soo-jung YEOM, the Archbishop Emeritus of Seoul, said he was grateful to God for granting the “big” blessing of Seoul's hosting of the WYD. Cardinal Andrew YEOM hoped that all the participants from around the world to see their prayers realized in the WYD Seoul.
 

“I hope the WYD will be a feast of love and joy in which young people from around the world pray in unity for the sake of peace in the world.”
 

Ambassador Huynjoo OH, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Holy See, expressed the hope that the WYD would become a chance to let the world know about Korea and the Catholic Church in South Korea and pledged her best effort to have the government's positive support for the success of the WYD.