Seoul Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister Yoo In-chon met with Vatican Archbishop Yoo Heung-sik, who is in charge of priestly ministry at the Vatican, on the 3rd local time, to discuss government support for the World Youth Day to be held in Seoul in 2027.
Minister Yoo stated during the meeting with Archbishop Yoo that “Although there is not much time left for the World Youth Day, the government will prepare well by carefully reviewing transportation, accommodations, and other aspects.”
Last August, Pope Francis declared Seoul as the next host city during a Mass in a park in the eastern outskirts of Lisbon, Portugal.
The World Youth Day is a large-scale event where youth from around the world gather to exchange interests and thoughts, participate in prayer meetings, performances, and various experiences. The host country typically provides a space like an airport runway or a beach for the concluding Mass where a large number of people gather.
Archbishop Yoo expressed that while in foreign countries the concluding Mass is usually held on airport runways, it may be difficult in Korea due to security and other reasons. He suggested that the Kimpo landfill site, which is close to the airport and Seoul, could be a suitable alternative location.
Moreover, he emphasized the need for cooperation from overseas embassies to prevent individuals from using the event as an opportunity for illegal immigration. He also requested comprehensive government support for visa issues and other related matters.
Archbishop Yoo also called for the enactment of special legislation in relation to this event, stating that having a legal basis will enable coordination with other government departments. Archbishop Oh Hyun-joo, who attended the meeting with Archbishop Yoo, mentioned that having special legislation would facilitate obtaining assistance from other ministries.
Minister Yoo expressed confidence that there should not be a major obstacle to enacting special legislation once substantive discussions begin. He emphasized the importance of transportation and accommodations, stating that these areas are likely to be the main challenges, and promised to carefully review and prepare based on the discussions held.