Seoul Names Five Patron Saints for World Youth Day 2027, Highlighting Faith Across Generations

Organizers of World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul unveil five patron saints—including John Paul II and Carlo Acutis—chosen to inspire young Catholics worldwide.

Newsroom (27/04/2026 Gaudium Press )  The organizers of the 2027 Catholic World Youth Day (WYD) in Seoul, South Korea, have announced five patron saints for the global event, led by Saint Pope John Paul II, founder of WYD in 1985.

Joining him are Andrew Kim Taegon and companions, Frances Xavier Cabrini, Josephine Bakhita, and Carlo Acutis, according to a statement released April 26 by the WYD Local Organizing Committee (LOC).

The selection followed a nationwide survey launched in late 2024, inviting participation from youth, youth ministers, and pastoral workers. The final list reflects a deliberate effort to represent diverse cultures, historical periods, and lived experiences of faith.

Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick of Seoul, president of the LOC, said the chosen saints offer young people “a concrete path for living the faith” in today’s world.

“I hope that young people will discover in these saints’ examples for their own lives and, through the journey of preparing for WYD, form a deep spiritual bond with them,” Chung said.

World Youth Day 2027 is scheduled to take place from August 3 to 8, with Pope Leo XIV expected to attend. Organizers anticipate hundreds of thousands of young participants from around the globe.

Each patron saint represents a distinct witness of faith. Pope John Paul II (1920–2005) is remembered for his strong advocacy for youth, family, and the dignity of human life. Andrew Kim Taegon (1821–1846), Korea’s first Catholic priest, is honored as a martyr and enduring symbol of courage.

Frances Xavier Cabrini (1850–1917), a missionary to migrants and the poor, reflects a commitment to social outreach. Josephine Bakhita (1869–1947), a former slave who became a nun, is recognized as a powerful witness to hope and spiritual transformation through suffering.

The youngest of the group, Carlo Acutis (1991–2006), is described as a “young saint of the digital age,” known for using technology to share the faith and inspire peers.

Following their selection, a group of young volunteers spent two months studying the saints’ lives and spirituality. Through prayer, discussion, and reflection, they developed a dedicated prayer and symbolic representation for each figure, aiming to communicate their relevance to contemporary youth.

The LOC also highlighted remarks from Cardinal Kevin Farrell, prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life, who emphasized the importance of patron saints in WYD preparation.

“They invite young people, formators, and pastors to reflect on the gift of God’s call, on our baptismal, priestly, religious, and marital vocations,” Farrell said.

He added that the saints encourage Catholics to respond to their vocation “with generosity and courage in following Christ, who has conquered the world,” echoing the theme of the upcoming gathering.

Alongside the announcement, organizers launched an interactive online quiz titled “Meet Your Patron Saint!” designed to help young people connect personally with the figures.

The initiative seeks to present the saints not merely as historical figures, but as companions whose lives continue to speak to the questions and hopes of today’s generation.

• Raju Hasmukh with files from UCA News

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