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

ROME, June 12 (Yonhap) -- First lady Kim Hea Kyung expressed hope Friday that South Korea will warmly host youth from around the world when the country holds a global Catholic youth festival scheduled in Seoul for 2027.

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

First lady Kim Hea Kyung (L, front) visits Pontifical Korean College in Rome on June 12, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)

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

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

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

She also expressed hope that global youth participants would have an opportunity to experience South 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.

First lady Kim Hea Kyung (R) visits Pontifical Korean College in Rome on June 12, 2026. (Yonhap)