D. Américo Aguiar, bishop of Setúbal and general coordinator of WYD Lisbon 2023, stated today in Seoul that the World Youth Day is prepared "with young people" and not just "for young people". The prelate presided over the Mass during the II Preparation Meeting of WYD Seoul 2027, which takes place in Korea between September 13 and 17.
In his homily, D. Américo Aguiar emphasized that preparation requires "many meetings and decisions, many programs, software, platforms, applications", but no tool can replace the encounter being prepared. "No software can program a true encounter. No application can replace a hug. No platform can measure what happens in the heart of a young person when they discover they are not alone," he stated.
The bishop recalled that Seoul will be an encounter "between young people and cultures, between the East and the West", with the Church in Korea and in Asia, and emphasized that WYD Seoul 2027 will not be a "photocopy" of the one in Lisbon, and should reflect "the face and heart of the Korean people, with the richness of the Church in Asia and with the diversity of young people from around the world".
WYD Seoul 2027 will take place between August 3 and 8, with the theme "Take courage: I have conquered the world!". D. Américo Aguiar reminded participants that they are young people with "dreams and hope" and also with "questions, fears and wounds", emphasizing: "There is room for everyone".
