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Archbishop Chung Soon-taick of the Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul (left) poses for a commemorative photo with Democratic Party Leader Kim Min-seok. / Provided by the Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul

Archbishop Chung Soon-taick of the Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul met with Democratic Party Leader Kim Min-seok to request bipartisan cooperation for the successful hosting of the 2027 World Youth Day (WYD) in Seoul.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul announced on the 26th that Archbishop Chung held talks with Democratic Party Leader Kim Min-seok at the archdiocesan curia on the 25th.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the need for dialogue and inclusion to move beyond social conflict and confrontation, as well as cooperative measures for the successful hosting of the 2027 Seoul World Youth Day.

Noting that Leader Kim had recently met with People Power Party Leader Jang Dong-hyeok and proposed a bridge for dialogue, Archbishop Chung said, "In a situation where our society is heading toward confrontation and conflict, I will pray that you work together to engage in dialogue, embrace one another, and integrate society."

He then cited a message from Pope Leo XIV to emphasize the role of politics in the era of artificial intelligence (AI), requesting, "Please ensure that politics plays a role so that AI serves the common good rather than becoming a competitor to humanity."

In response, Leader Kim expressed agreement on the importance of education and ethics in the AI era and stated that he would continue related discussions with the religious community.

In particular, support measures for the World Youth Day to be held in Seoul in 2027 were addressed as a key focus during the meeting.

Leader Kim revealed plans to establish a dedicated support body within the Democratic Party and appoint Lawmaker Yoo Dong-soo as its head.

Kim emphasized, "Given the large scale of this event and the accompanying government support, our party also needs to conduct preliminary inspections and simulations in advance," adding, "We will review multifaceted support measures, leveraging networks with local governments as well as institutional and legal support."

Archbishop Chung also expressed gratitude for the party's proactive preparations, stating, "The 2027 Seoul World Youth Day goes beyond a specific religious event; it is a national and international gathering involving all citizens that reflects the image of the entire Republic of Korea."

Sharing that he had invited U.S. Vice President JD Vance to attend the Seoul WYD during his recent visit to the U.S., Kim stated, "I will support this event so that it extends beyond the domestic sphere to serve as a platform for peace on the Korean Peninsula."

Archbishop Chung emphasized, "Let us work together so that this event serves as an opportunity for youth from around the world to visit Korea and seek peace and reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula."

                                                                                                         Hwang Eui-joong