SEOUL (SE): World Youth Day [WYD] Seoul 2027 was officially launched on July 28 with a kickoff ceremony theme, “Hope Ignites in Seoul. Success for WYD Seoul 2027,” at Myeongdong Cathedral, Seould, South Korea, the Committee for Communications of Archdiocese of Seoul reported in a press release and on Facebook.
The ceremony marked the beginning of the journey towards the highly anticipated WYD, with several prominent guests and over 1,000 young attendees coming together to celebrate.
The ceremony began with a flag parade featuring young Koreans alongside young people from around the world bearing 193 flags as they gracefully entered Myeongdong Cathedral. Each flag symbolised the positive worldwide response to Pope Francis’ invitation for Seoul to host World Youth Day in 2027.
Following the procession was a moving puzzle activity and an official photo session, capturing the unity and joy of the moment.
The highlight of the ceremony was the Kick-off Declaration led by Archbishop Peter Soon-taick Chung of Seoul, the chairperson of the Local Organising Committee for WYD Seoul, alongside two young Korean delegates.
The declaration marked the official commencement of preparations for the 2027 event and symbolised the collective commitment of the Church and young people to this inspiring journey.
Following the ceremony, Archbishop Chung concelebrated a Mass with Andrew Cardinal Soo-jung Yeom; Bishop Job Yo-bi Koo; Bishop Paul Kyung-sang Lee, the general coordinator of the WYD Seoul 2027 Local Organising Committee; and Bishop Titus Sang-Bum Seo, of the Korea Military Ordinariate.
Together, I wish to cultivate this shared hope through WYD. I believe that WYD represents an invaluable opportunity for youth from across the globe, including our Korean youth, to reflect upon and engage with these challenging tasks
Archbishop Peter Soon-taick Chung
“I harbour a profound aspiration that the Church will offer a platform for the youth of our time—a stage where they can emerge as the protagonists of their own narratives, Archbishop Chung said in his homily, “I am confident that this stage will serve as an opportunity and a space of hope for all of you.”
The archbishop continued, “Together, I wish to cultivate this shared hope through WYD. I believe that WYD represents an invaluable opportunity for youth from across the globe, including our Korean youth, to reflect upon and engage with these challenging tasks. It is imperative that we unite our hearts, pray together, and discern the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we earnestly prepare for this journey.”you can make to the World Youth Day Seoul 2027 and accompanies you with his prayers.”
Gleison De Paula Souza, the secretary for the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, said, “Pope Francis has chosen Seoul as the host city for the upcoming World Youth Day, aware of Korea’s rich history and culture.”
Souza continued, “It is a city that embodies the spirit of innovation and hope, values that are intrinsic to our mission. To all the young people present and those unable to join us, I fervently wish that this journey be one of discovery, growth, and joy for you.”
He said, “May you return to your homes inspired and motivated to effect change within your communities and the broader world. As the theme for today proclaims, ‘Hope ignites in Seoul!’ May our hearts too be kindled in anticipation of this marvelously imagined experience leading up to 2027.”
In anticipation of WYD Seoul 2027, the motto for the event will be revealed in September. Additionally, the WYD symbols will be ceremoniously handed over to Seoul in November, marking another significant milestone on this inspiring journey.
