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Pope Leo XIV Invites Youth to World Youth Day in Seoul
Confirmed
In Short: Pope Leo XIV has opened registration for World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul, urging young Catholics to join the pilgrimage of faith, friendship, and hope.
Pope Leo XIV has opened registration for World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul, urging young Catholics to join the pilgrimage of faith, friendship, and hope. In a video message released on Thursday, the Pope invited young people to bring their dreams, desires, and hopes, as well as their wounds and struggles, to the event.
The World Youth Day, established by Pope John Paul II in 1985, will take place from August 3 to 8, 2027, marking the second time an Asian country hosts the gathering after the Philippines in 1995.
The Archdiocese of Seoul expects the closing Mass to draw between 400,000 and 800,000 people from Korea and abroad. The Pope emphasized that the event is not merely a sightseeing excursion but an opportunity for Catholic youth to deepen and renew their faith.
In his message, Pope Leo XIV encouraged young people to embrace their God-given diversity and experience a greater sense of unity. He also reminded them that the Lord is waiting for them in this place of encounter and communion.
The registration process takes place in two phases: first, the group leader creates a group account, and then adds each member’s information. The organizers urged those registering to do so as groups.
The Pope also mentioned the theme of World Youth Day, 'Take courage. I have overcome the world,' and expressed his eagerness to meet the young Catholics in Seoul.
The WYD 2027 countdown began on August 3, 2026, with the premiere of its official theme song, 'Confidite, Ego Vici Mundum,' on YouTube.
The Archdiocese of Seoul and the WYD 2027 organizing committee are now focusing on completing their preparations for the event, which is expected to showcase the rich and beautiful diversity of languages and cultures.
Pope Leo XIV’s message highlighted the importance of the event for young Catholics, reminding them that the Lord desires to reawaken their hope and give them the fullness of life and joy.
The Pope’s remarks came as the organizing committee opened registration for World Youth Day, an international gathering of Catholic youth, set to take place in Seoul in August next year.
What this adds
The Archdiocese of Seoul expects the closing Mass to draw between 400,000 and 800,000 people from Korea and abroad.
What's confirmed
- “This is not merely an invitation to see a new city; it is a call to set out on a pilgrimage of faith, friendship, and hope,” Leo said in a video message.
- John Paul II, who established World Youth Day in 1985.
- In a press release accompanying the pope’s message, the WYD 2027 organizers urged those registering to do so as groups.
- “In Seoul, you will meet young people from all across the world, representing a beautiful and rich variety of languages and cultures,” the pope said.
- “Over the past three years, we have concentrated on laying the foundations for the event. The year ahead will be the time to complete our preparations and welcome young people from every part of the world,” Chung said.
- “Providentially, today we celebrate the liturgical memory of St. John Paul II, who continuously proclaimed to all peoples, 'Do not be afraid, open wide the doors for Christ.’ These words also apply to each one of you," Leo said.
- As explained in the press release, registration takes place in two phases: first, the group leader creates a group account, and second, the group leader adds each member’s information.
- (OSV News) — Next year’s World Youth Day is not a sightseeing excursion but an opportunity for Catholic youth to deepen and renew their faith, Pope Leo XIV said.
- “This occasion, therefore, will be a special opportunity both to deepen your faith and to encounter your brothers and sisters in Christ, and I hope you will make joyful memories and form friendships that will last a lifetime,” he said.
- "Today, as registration opens for next year’s World Youth Day, I warmly invite each of you to Seoul," the pope said in the message, which the Holy See Press Office released at 7 p.m.
- "A pilgrimage gives you the chance not only to discover Christian sites in another location, but also to find the time and space to encounter God more deeply..." Youth attend a concert as part of a prayer vigil with young people led by Pope Leo XIV at the Stade de France stadium, in Saint-Denis on the outskirts of Paris on September 25, 2026 as part of his four days visit to France.
- (Photo by LOU BENOIST / AFP) Pope Leo has marked the opening of World Youth Day registration with a video message to young people.
What's still developing
- Launched in 2013, Aleteia is a free online daily news publication.
- Young faithfuls hold a South Korean flag during an open-air mass in the Tor Vergata district of Rome, as part of Jubilee of Youth, on August 3, 2025.
- Registrations can be made on the WYD 2027 website.