For the first time, volunteer representatives from all 27 teams preparing for World Youth Day (WYD) Seoul 2027 gathered under one roof, marking a milestone in the Church’s journey toward welcoming the world’s youth to Korea.
The unprecedented assembly was organized at the initiative of the volunteers themselves, seeking greater communication, unity, and collaboration among the many moving parts behind the landmark global event.
Each team shared its unique role in the lead-up to 2027 and brainstormed ways to continue collaborating in spirit and action. The gathering wasn’t just strategic—it was deeply spiritual, inspired by the visit of a delegation from the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, who were in Seoul as part of their ongoing support for youth ministry.
Dr. Gleison De Paula Souza, Secretary of the Dicastery, offered heartfelt encouragement to the volunteers:
“Always bear witness to Christ with a smile! Before anything else, come first to the chapel here at the WYD Center and pray to Christ before you serve,” he said to the volunteers.
“WYD is something we must build together—all of us: bishops, priests, religious, and you, the lay faithful. Invite everyone. Welcome those beside you now, those who will come later, and even those who may only arrive at the very end of WYD. Together, you are one.”
His words underscored the inclusive and missionary spirit of World Youth Day—a global encounter of faith, service, and celebration.
The Pilgrim Cross and Icon Continue Their Asian Journey
Meanwhile, the WYD symbols—the Cross and the icon of the Virgin Mary—continue their powerful pilgrimage across Asia. From April 29 to May 11, the symbols were hosted in Japan, welcomed by the faithful in the Diocese of Fukuoka, Archdiocese of Osaka-Takamatsu, Diocese of Nagoya, and Archdiocese of Tokyo.
Adding a unique cross-cultural dimension to the journey, two young Korean pilgrims, now preparing for WYD Seoul 2027, were sent to Fukuoka as part of this leg of the pilgrimage, strengthening the ties of solidarity and faith between Asian youth.
A Church That Celebrates Its Young
The Catholic Church’s commitment to youth formation and celebration is being expressed across multiple events and levels in this decade of grace:
- The Global Celebration of Youth and Young Adults is held annually on the Solemnity of Christ the King within local churches.
- The Jubilee Year 2025, declared by Pope Francis as a Holy Year of grace and renewal, will include two major youth-focused moments:
- Jubilee of Teenagers (April 2025)
- Jubilee of Young People (July 28–August 3, 2025), themed “Pilgrims of Hope.”
These moments help bridge the spiritual journey from WYD Lisbon 2023 to WYD Seoul 2027, each rooted in themes that speak deeply to the times.
From 2023 to 2025, the Church reflects on hope—the central theme of the Jubilee Year. From 2025 to 2027, the spotlight shifts to courageous witness, a fitting reflection for Korea, a land shaped by heroic Christian martyrs and vibrant faith communities.
World Youth Day Seoul 2027 will not only be a historic first for the Korean Peninsula—it will be a prophetic celebration of the Church’s youthful face, missionary heart, and global soul.
