Pope Leo Calls Youth to a Pilgrimage of Faith in Seoul
Published on St. John Paul II's feast, the message links Seoul 2027's Gospel theme of courage to the late pope's 'Do not be afraid.'
On October 22, 2026, the feast of St. John Paul II, Pope Leo XIV released a video message inviting young people to register for the 41st World Youth Day. The gathering is scheduled for August 3 to 8, 2027, in Seoul, South Korea. It will be the first World Youth Day held in South Korea and the second in Asia, after Manila in 1995.
"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," the Pope said. He added that participants "will experience an even greater sense of unity, for we are all members of the one Body of Christ," and urged them to "bring all that you are and all that you carry in your hearts, including your dreams, desires, and hopes, as well as your wounds and struggles."
Pope Francis announced Seoul as host during World Youth Day Lisbon in 2023. Registration opened the same day as the new video message, placing the Church's invitation to young people under the sign of the saint who first sent them out on these pilgrimages.
A Gospel Call to Courage
The theme of World Youth Day Seoul 2027 is taken from the Gospel of John: "Take courage! I have overcome the world" (Jn 16:33). Pope Leo XIV linked that verse to St. John Paul II's appeal, "Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors for Christ."
Issued on the liturgical memorial of that saint, the message places the courage of Christ at the heart of the pilgrimage. The young are summoned not as visitors to a city, but as members of one Body who bring both their hopes and their wounds before the Lord.
"I look forward to seeing you in Seoul!" Pope Leo XIV concluded, offering his blessing to those who will answer the call.