Seoul:Pope Leo XIV on Thursday encouraged young Catholics worldwide to embark on a "pilgrimage of faith, friendship and hope," inviting them to gather in Seoul for World Youth Day 2027. The event is set to take place in August next year.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the pope's invitation coincided with the opening of registration for the international gathering of Catholic youth. In a video message shared by the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV emphasized that the event is not just an opportunity to visit a new city but a chance to deepen one's faith and forge lasting friendships with participants from different cultures.
The theme for this World Youth Day, "Take courage! I have overcome the world," was highlighted by the pope, encouraging attendees to bring their hopes, dreams, and even their struggles to the event. He expressed that the pilgrimage offers a space to encounter God more deeply and to experience the dynamic life of the Church.
The pope will visit South Korea to preside over the event, marking the first time World Youth Day is held in the country and only the second time in Asia since its occurrence in Manila in 1995. The event is scheduled for August 3-8, 2027.