Seoul to host historic 17th World Youth Day in 2027, first in a divided nation, with Pope Leo XIV’s visit, uniting youth in faith, hope, and peace.
Newsroom (27/10/2025, Gaudium Press ) The 17th World Youth Day (WYD), set to take place in Seoul from July 29 to August 8, 2027, will be a landmark event, marking the first time the global Catholic youth gathering will be held in a divided nation, a non-Christian country, and only the second time in Asia. The event will also coincide with an apostolic visit by 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 in the South Korean capital today.
“Seoul will be more than a host city,” Bishop Lee declared. “It will become a city of hope, solidarity, and mission, where the joy of the Gospel will resonate with the world.” The announcement, attended by Catholic leaders, civil authorities, and representatives of ecclesial and social organizations, underscored the event’s significance as a beacon of faith and unity.
Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick, president of the Local Organizing Committee, emphasized the broader vision of WYD Seoul 2027. “This is not merely a program of events,” he said. “It is a declaration of faith and hope, a solemn commitment to the youth of the world, and an invitation to reflect on humanity’s shared path under God’s guidance.” The committee, which includes civil society representatives, is already mobilizing to ensure the event’s success.
Program and Spiritual Focus
According to the program released to Fides, WYD Seoul 2027 will unfold in two phases. The first, “Days in the Dioceses” from July 29 to August 2, will see young pilgrims engage with local communities across South Korea’s 15 dioceses through celebrations, parish gatherings, and stays with host families. The main events, from August 3 to 8 in Seoul, will feature six key moments: an opening Mass led by Archbishop Chung with cardinals and bishops from over 160 countries, a welcome ceremony with Pope Leo XIV, a Youth Festival, catechesis sessions, the Stations of the Cross, a youth vigil, and a closing Mass.
The welcome ceremony will blend cultural performances with the Pope’s message, while the Youth Festival will be “a vibrant celebration of faith and creativity,” according to Bishop Lee. The Stations of the Cross, he added, will offer “a profound moment for young people to reflect on human suffering and rediscover hope and courage.”
The spiritual core of WYD Seoul 2027 will center on three themes: love, truth, and peace. Love will encompass care for the marginalized, the suffering, and the environment, with Bishop Lee noting that over 700 trees have already been planted to offset carbon emissions—a commitment set to continue through 2027. International youth networks will also be established to foster collaboration on initiatives for the common good.
A Nationwide Effort
Fr. Joseph Young-je Lee, executive secretary of the Organizing Committee, highlighted the inclusive nature of the event, stating that “participation is completely free” to ensure accessibility for all, including non-Catholics across Korea. The Archdiocese of Seoul’s 233 parishes will accommodate pilgrims, supported by robust infrastructure in administration, security, finance, transportation, health, and communications. “Organizing WYD is a national undertaking that requires collective effort,” Fr. Lee said, praising the cooperation of public and private sectors.
A Global Legacy
Initiated by Pope John Paul II in 1985, World Youth Day has grown into a global symbol of peace, fraternity, and hope. Past events have drawn millions, with nearly four million attendees at Manila in 1995—the largest to date—and over 1.5 million in Lisbon in 2023. Bishop Lee underscored the event’s universal significance, stating, “World Youth Day transcends the Catholic community. It is a historic opportunity for Korea to share a message of peace, harmony, and solidarity with the world.”
As preparations intensify, Seoul is poised to become a global stage for faith, unity, and hope, inviting young people from every corner of the globe to join in this historic celebration.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Fides News
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