The Jubilee of Young People in Rome is also a “full rehearsal” for the World Youth Day in Seul in 2027, announced by Pope Francis in Lisbon. An estimated 1,500 young people from Korea have traveled to Rome to participate in the Jubilee celebrations. Of these, 1,100 came from the Archdiocese of Seoul. Accompanying them is Msgr. Paul Kyung-sang Lee, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Seoul and general coordinator of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul. SIR interviewed him.
(Foto dal profilo Instagram @wydseoul2027)
Who are these young Koreans? What circumstances are they experiencing? What challenges concern them the most? What are their expectations as they prepare to celebrate the Jubilee?
Though they each have different dreams, they all share the dream of meeting the Pope. They hope to experience God’s love through that encounter. Young Koreans enjoy their youth in a dynamic way. They are creative, lively, and full of energy. However, the extreme competition they face in achieving academic success is reflected in social and financial competition, which places a heavy burden on them. They are concerned about an uncertain future. Living in an age of rapid change and uncertainty, they are anxious about their future careers and entrepreneurial endeavors.
The more difficulties they encounter, the more they yearn to experience God’s love.
They are determined not to drift away from Him based on a misunderstanding about God. They are committed to embracing the truth that He created us from love, sent His only Son to save us, provides guidance for our lives, and offers us what is best. They participate in various pastoral activities in their local communities to deepen their understanding of this truth.
(Foto dal profilo Instagram @wydseoul2027)
The Rome Jubilee will also serve as a “full rehearsal” for the 2027 World Youth Day (WYD) in Seoul. How are preparations progressing? What does the Church in Korea have to offer and say to young people around the world?
With the assistance of the Holy Spirit and by virtue of the support of the Holy See’s Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life, preparations are proceeding smoothly, drawing upon the experiences of previous World Youth Days. This Jubilee will serve as a model and provide an opportunity for a veritable trial run. The Korean government, parliament, local administrations, and provincial councils likewise offered their support and are actively participating in the preparations. I believe the people’s affection for the popes, both Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV, fosters cooperation with institutions. Korea is the only divided nation, and it will be the first non-Christian country to host a World Youth Day. We believe that peace is a universal value that we ought to share.
At a time when young people around the world are experiencing conflicts and tremendous loss, we hope to create a future where the next generation will not be drawn into war. Let us speak about peace.
Pope Francis’ chosen theme is taken from the Gospel of John 16:33: “Be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.” It is an extraordinary expression of love. The Korean martyrs experienced this love and overcame fear during a time of persecution. Let us hope that prejudices and narrow-mindedness will disappear. May this event be one that speaks of God’s love—a love so great that he gave his only begotten son, Jesus Christ.
Do you believe that closer ties, solidarity, and reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula will be fostered by the “wind” of joy and peace that young people from all over the world will bring to Korea? Is there such an expectation?
Yes, this expectation exists, as does our deep and abiding hope. This issue is of course delicate, touching on the sociopolitical and diplomatic spheres. We offer our fervent prayers in support of this endeavor.
Following Rome, the next stop will be Seoul. What would you like to say to the young people attending the event in Rome to encourage them to visit Korea?
We look forward to seeing you at the 2027 World Youth Day in Seoul to share an experience of service immersed in the love of Jesus, who served all people.
Recognizing the Lord as our strength, we hope you may purify the memory of the past, experience reconciliation in the present time, and embrace the future with courage. We are committed to serving you wholeheartedly, that our service may reflect Jesus’ love for each one.
