Seoul, 19 June 2026 – Ambassador Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez paid a courtesy call on Most Reverend Matthias Ri Long-hoon, Bishop and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea at the Diocesan Curia in Suwon City, Gyeonggi Province, approximately 30 kilometers south of Seoul.

During the meeting, Ambassador Fernandez conveyed her sincere appreciation for the vibrant faith life enjoyed by members of the Filipino Catholic community in the Republic of Korea and for the invaluable pastoral care, spiritual guidance, and support extended by the Catholic Church to Filipinos residing throughout the country.

Ambassador Fernandez and Bishop Ri discussed matters concerning the Filipino community in Korea, including the size and demographics of the Filipino population, immigration-related concerns, and preparations for World Youth Day Seoul 2027, which is scheduled to take place in Seoul from 3 to 8 August 2027.

The Ambassador expressed the Philippine Embassy’s full support for the forthcoming international gathering of Catholic youth and welcomed the extensive preparations being undertaken by the Catholic Church in Korea to ensure the successful hosting of the event. Preparations for World Youth Day Seoul 2027 are being spearheaded by the office of Most Reverend Paul Kyung-sang Lee, who serves as the General Coordinator of the organizing committee.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to reaffirm the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea, particularly in promoting the welfare and spiritual well-being of the Filipino community in Korea.

Also present during the courtesy call were Reverend Petrus Seok Hun Mun and Embassy Cultural Attaché Anthony Z. Cornista. END