With less than a year to go until World Youth Day in Seoul, South Korea, Pope Leo XIV has invited young Catholics worldwide to register and to view the event as a pilgrimage rather than just a trip to a new place. Source: National Catholic Register.
“This is not merely an invitation to see a new city; it is a call to set out on a pilgrimage of faith, friendship, and hope,” Leo said in a video message.
The Vatican released the pontiff’s message on Thursday, coinciding with the liturgical feast of St John Paul II, who established WYD in 1985. In his message, Pope Leo referred to his predecessor, who invited the young to “open wide the doors for Christ”.
“Providentially, today we celebrate the liturgical memory of St John Paul II, who continuously proclaimed to all peoples, ‘Do not be afraid, open wide the doors for Christ.’ These words also apply to each one of you,” Pope Leo said.
The Pope, who is expected to attend, also reminded young Catholics what to look forward to as they register for WYD 2027: unity in diversity.
“In Seoul, you will meet young people from all across the world, representing a beautiful and rich variety of languages and cultures,” the Pope said.
“Yet, despite these differences, and indeed because of your God-given diversity, you will experience an even greater sense of unity, for we are all members of the one body of Christ.”
The next World Youth Day will take place in Seoul from August 3–8, 2027.
In a press release accompanying the Pope’s message, the WYD 2027 organisers urged those registering to do so as groups. As explained in the press release, registration takes place in two phases: first, the group leader creates a group account, and second, the group leader adds each member’s information. Registration is complete once payment is made.
Pilgrims are offered 11 packages to choose from, with price depending on the type of stay, and including public transportation and a pilgrim kit.
The theme of WYD 2027 is taken from the Gospel of John 16:33: “Take Courage! I Have Overcome the World.”
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Pope invites young Catholics to Seoul as registration opens for World Youth Day 2027 (By Ishmael Adibuah, National Catholic Register)
