ASIA/SOUTH KOREA – “Event of historic importance”: Programme for World Youth Day 2027 presented

Seoul – The 17th World Youth Day to be held in Seoul in 2027 will be “of historic importance, as it will be the first to be held in a divided nation, the first in a non-Christian country, and the second in Asia. Furthermore, it will coincide with the apostolic visit of Pope Leo XIV to Korea,” announced Msgr. Paul Kyung-sang Lee, auxiliary bishop of Seoul and general coordinator of WYD Seoul 2027, during the official presentation held today, October 27, in the South Korean capital. The event is already involving the Catholic community, civil authorities, and ecclesial and social organizations in its preparations. “Seoul,” Bishop Lee affirmed, “will be more than a ‘host city.’” It will become a city of hope, a city of solidarity, and a city of mission, in which the joy of the Gospel will be announced and proclaimed to the whole world.” For his part, Msgr. Peter Chung Soon-taick, Archbishop of Seoul and president of the Local Organizing Committee—which also includes civil society representatives—stressed that “this is not simply the presentation of a program of events: it is rather a declaration of faith and hope, a solemn commitment addressed to the young people of the world, and a sincere invitation to reflect together on the path that humanity is called to follow as one family under the guidance of God.”
According to the program presented and sent to Fides, WYD Seoul 2027 will be held from July 29 to August 8, 2027. The first phase, from July 29 to August 2, known as “Days in the Dioceses,” will take place in the 15 Korean dioceses. The main events will then take place in Seoul. During the “Days in the Dioceses,” participants, young people from around the world will experience the life of local communities through celebrations, parish gatherings, and stays with host families. Highlights include six major celebrations: the opening Mass, the welcome ceremony with the Holy Father, the Youth Festival, catechesis, the Stations of the Cross, the youth vigil, and the closing Mass. The opening Mass will be presided over by Archbishop Chung, with the participation of cardinals and bishops from more than 160 countries.
The Welcome Ceremony, which will mark the Pope’s first meeting with the young pilgrims, will combine cultural and artistic performances with the papal message. Bishop Lee noted that the Youth Festival will be “a vibrant celebration of faith and creativity,” while the Stations of the Cross will be “a profound moment for young people to meditate on the sufferings of humanity and rediscover hope and courage.”
The spirituality of WYD, Bishop Lee explained, will revolve around three words: love, truth, and peace. The theme of love will include caring for one’s neighbor, for those who are marginalized or suffering, as well as a commitment to creation and ecological conversion. “More than 700 trees have already been planted to offset carbon emissions, and this commitment will continue until 2027,” he added. He also announced the creation of international youth networks where young people will share ideas and initiatives for the common good. “World Youth Day,” Bishop Paul Lee concluded, “transcends the borders of the Catholic community: it is a historic opportunity for Korea to share within itself and with the entire world a message of peace, harmony, and solidarity.” Outlining the technical and organizational aspects, Fr. Joseph Young-je Lee, Executive Secretary of the Organizing Committee, emphasized that “participation is completely free” and that “this will allow young people from all over Korea, including non-Catholics, to join the celebration.”
Pilgrims will be accommodated by 233 parishes in the Archdiocese of Seoul, which will offer appropriate solutions and structures. “Organizing WYD Seoul 2027,” he stated, “is an undertaking that affects the entire nation and cannot be carried out by private efforts alone,” praising the active cooperation between the administration, security, finance, transportation, health, and communication infrastructure sectors.
World Youth Day was founded by Pope John Paul II in 1985 and has since become a symbol of a gathering of peace, fraternity, and hope for the Church and humanity. Following the first World Youth Day in Rome in 1986, nearly four million young people gathered in Manila in 1995—the largest World Youth Day to date—while World Youth Day in Lisbon in 2023 attracted over 1.5 million pilgrims.

Read original article