CV NEWS FEED // On July 28, the Catholic Church in South Korea kicked off preparations for World Youth Day (WYD) 2027 with a major launch ceremony at Seoul’s Myeongdong Cathedral.
Vatican News reported that the “Hope Ignites in Seoul. Success for WYD Seoul 2027,” ceremony attracted over 1,000 young attendees, including North Korean defectors, youth with disabilities, and military personnel.
The event began with young participants carrying 193 vibrant flags into the cathedral, a parade which symbolized the global call and excitement for WYD, and showcased Seoul’s role as a central gathering place for young Catholics worldwide.
According to Vatican News, a key moment of the ceremony was the Kick-off Declaration, delivered by Archbishop Peter Soon-taick Chung, Chair of the Local Organizing Committee for WYD Seoul 2027, with the support of two young Korean delegates.
This announcement signaled the official start of preparations for WYD 2027.
Archbishop Giovanni Gaspari, Apostolic Nuncio to Korea and Mongolia delivered words of encouragement to the faithful, and Dr. Gleison De Paula Souza, secretary of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life, discussed Seoul’s selection as the host city and highlighted its rich cultural legacy and innovative spirit.
The concluding Mass, featuring a Universal Prayer in multiple languages, was celebrated by Archbishop Chung, joined by Cardinal Andrew Soo-jung Yeom, Bishop Job Yo-bi Koo, Bishop Paul Kyung-sang Lee, and Bishop Titus Sang-Bum Seo.
In his homily, Archbishop Chung expressed hope that WYD would be a space for global youth to come together in reflection and prayer, and emphasized the Church’s role in providing a stage for young people to “emerge as the protagonists of their own narratives.”
“I am confident that this stage will serve as an opportunity and a space of hope for all of you,” the Archbishop said. “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,” he added.
