Diplomats from Portugal and South Korea joined Catholic youth leaders in Rome on 30 October to examine how the experience of World Youth Day Lisbon 2023 can help shape Seoul 2027, with peace, dialogue and youth participation at the centre of their discussions.
From one World Youth Day to the next
The Embassies of Portugal and the Republic of Korea to the Holy See organised the conference at Villa Lusa as part of the 17th Diplomacy Festival. South Korea’s Ambassador to the Holy See, Hyung-sik Shin, presented Seoul 2027 as an opportunity for encounter across religions, cultures and generations.
Portugal’s Ambassador, Maria Amélia Paiva, encouraged young people to practise reconciliation and dialogue in their daily lives. Speakers also considered the lasting sense of belonging that pilgrims experience during World Youth Day.
Practical preparations for Seoul
Organisers described planning around visas, accommodation, public transport, medical assistance, security and multilingual support. These preparations are intended to make the 2027 gathering welcoming to young people travelling from many countries.
Daniele Bruno, President of the John Paul II Youth Foundation, also announced that the Foundation plans a conference on youth and fraternity at the Catholic University of Korea on 2 August 2027, ahead of World Youth Day.
