World Youth Day (WYD)

The Organizing Committee for the 2027 World Youth Day (WYD) in Seoul held the '2027 Seoul WYD National Assembly Promotion Team Launch Ceremony and Briefing' on March 17 at the National Assembly Members' Office Building in Seoul. This was reported by the Catholic Times in its recent issue.

At the event, 57 Catholic members of parliament were appointed to the WYD National Assembly Promotion Team, officially launching a National Assembly-level support system for the successful hosting of the event. With the launch of this WYD National Assembly Promotion Team, a nationwide cooperation system involving the government, the National Assembly, local governments, and the church for Seoul WYD.

Attendees at the launch ceremony included Bishop Lee Kyung-sang (Paul), the General Coordinator of the Seoul WYD Organizing Committee; joint heads of the WYD National Assembly Promotion Team and other key figures.

During the event, the bishop handed out letters of appointment to the joint heads and executive committee members of the WYD National Assembly Promotion Team. Following this, the Director of Planning for the Organizing Committee shared the event's overview and vision, and explained the major tasks and the cooperation between the government and the National Assembly. The WYD National Assembly Promotion Team plans to support the event through cross-party cooperation encompassing 13 standing committees.

In his welcoming address, the bishop said, 'Seoul WYD will be the first event held in a non-Christian and divided country, conveying an important message about peace on the Korean Peninsula and the common good of humanity,' adding, 'This historic event will shine even brighter with bipartisan cooperation from the National Assembly.'

He also stated, 'About 170,000 young people from around 170 countries are expected to visit Korea, and more than 1 million people are expected to attend the final event,' adding that, 'It will be an opportunity for young people to discover their vocation and pray together for peace and solidarity.'

Representative Cho Jung-sik stated, "This event is not just about Catholicism; it is a national and global event," and added, "The National Assembly will faithfully perform its role as a bridge leading cooperation with the government, local governments, and educational institutions." Representative Na Kyung-won said that the event holds great significance as it is the first to be held in a non-Christian country, and added, "We will meticulously take care of institutional support, such as visas and immigration, to help ensure a successful event." Representative Han Jeong-ae also emphasized, "The event will be a place for young people to build solidarity beyond borders and religions in an era of intensified conflict," and stated, "With proactive support from the National Assembly, we will make it a model international event."