Portugal and Korea Embassies to Holy See hold conference on WYD's role in building peace

The embassies of Portugal and the Republic of Korea to the Holy See held a conference in Rome on October 30 to discuss the role of World Youth Day in promoting peace and dialogue. Held at the Portuguese Embassy as part of the Festival of Diplomacy, the event examined the transition from the 2023 World Youth Day in Lisbon to the 2027 event in Seoul.

Ambassador Paiva of Portugal noted that younger generations act concretely when they promote forgiveness in their communities and use social networks to counter hate speech. South Korean Ambassador Hyung-sik Shin stated that Seoul will serve as a platform to overcome divisions between religions, cultures, and generations. He described the 2027 gathering as a synodal journey, noting it will be the first international World Youth Day held in a country without a Catholic majority and with a non-European language.

The conference followed the theme of a courageous, respectful, and peaceful future. Ambassador Shin said the event would allow the world's youth to engage in sincere dialogue and prayer to become companions of peace.