First lady hopes Korea will warmly host 2027 global Catholic youth festival

First lady Kim Hea Kyung expressed hope on Friday that Korea will warmly host youth from around the world when the country holds a global Catholic youth festival in Seoul in 2027.

She expressed the hope while meeting with Catholic priests at the Pontifical Korean College in Rome, as Korea's Catholic community prepares to host World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul in August of next year.

During the meeting, Kim received briefings on preparations and listened to suggestions from participants.

"World Youth Day 2027 will be a meaningful festival, in which young people from around the world, who have different nationalities, languages and cultures, can share the values of peace, hope and solidarity," she said during the meeting.

"I hope the event will be a warm occasion, during which Korea […] will welcome young people from around the world as family," she continued.

She also expressed hope that global youth participants would have an opportunity to experience Korea's diverse culture and everyday life to deepen their understanding of the country.

Kim is currently accompanying President Lee Jae Myung on his state visit to Italy as part of his broader trip to Europe.

Yonhap