Pope Leo XIV has invited young people worldwide to register for World Youth Day (WYD) 2027 in Seoul, South Korea, emphasizing the event as an opportunity to strengthen faith, build friendships and experience unity across different cultures.
In a video message released Thursday, October 22, coinciding with the feast day of Pope Saint John Paul II, who established World Youth Day, the pontiff announced that registration had officially opened for the international gathering.
Pope Leo encouraged participants to view the event as more than an opportunity to visit a new destination, describing it as a spiritual pilgrimage centred on faith, friendship and hope. He explained that the gathering would allow young Catholics to deepen their relationship with God while connecting with fellow believers from around the world.
The 17th international World Youth Day will bring together participants from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Despite their differences, Pope Leo said the shared experience would strengthen their sense of belonging and unity within the Catholic Church. He also expressed hope that attendees would create lasting memories and develop meaningful friendships.
The theme for the 2027 gathering, “Take courage! I have overcome the world,” reflects the message of faith and perseverance associated with Pope Saint John Paul II, who famously encouraged believers not to be afraid and to open their hearts to Christ.
Pope Leo urged young people to attend with their aspirations, personal challenges and hopes for the future, emphasizing that the gathering would offer opportunities for spiritual renewal and encouragement.
World Youth Day 2027 was originally announced by Pope Francis during the previous international gathering in Lisbon, Portugal, in 2023. The upcoming event will mark another major international gathering of young Catholics, bringing participants together for prayer, reflection and cultural exchange.
Concluding his message, Pope Leo expressed his anticipation of meeting young people in Seoul and extended his blessing to participants and their families.
