Catholics youths, numbering at one million, hear from Pope Leo XIV that they symbolize a world of change is imminent
Pope Leo XIV Announces World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul
In a historic announcement, Pope Leo XIV has declared that the next World Youth Day will take place in Seoul, South Korea, from August 3 to 8, 2027. The theme for the event is "Take courage, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
During the closing Mass of the Jubilee of Youth at the University of Rome’s Tor Vergata campus on August 3, 2025, the Pope addressed over one million young people from 146 countries. He described them as signs that "a different world is possible."
The Pope's message emphasized courage, hope, and witnessing faith worldwide. He called Catholic youths "pilgrims of hope" who will be witnesses of faith to the ends of the earth, encouraging them to continue dreaming and hoping together. This event will be the first World Youth Day hosted in South Korea and is seen as an important stage in the faith journey of new generations.
Preparations for the event are already underway globally, with invitations extended to bishops and youth ministry offices. Sister Giulia De Luca, from Rome, acknowledged that the week was intense and challenging in many ways. Despite this, she looked forward to seeing the Pope again.
The week-long encounter with the next generation of faithful was marked by bands of youths singing hymns, praying the Rosary in piazzas, and standing for hours at the Circus Maximus to confess their sins to priests offering the sacrament in a dozen languages. The Pope urged the participants to "spread your enthusiasm and the witness of your faith" when they return home to some 150 countries.
Unfortunately, the event was marred by tragedy as two young people who made the pilgrimage to Rome died, one reportedly of cardiac arrest, and a third was hospitalized. Despite these difficulties, Soemil Rios, 20, from Puerto Rico, stated that the experience was very nice and special.
The special Jubilee celebration is part of the Holy Year that is expected to draw 32 million people to the Vatican for the centuries-old pilgrimage to the seat of Catholicism. Pope Leo XIV also remembered the young people of Gaza, Ukraine, and other countries at war who could not join the celebration.
In a spiritual and practical sense, the theme and the Pope's call for hope and courage can be interpreted as relevant to conflict resolution. The Pope's message to Catholic youths implies a missionary call to witness peace and overcome worldly challenges. As the world looks forward to World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul, the hope is that the next generation of faithful will indeed be the signs of a different world, one where conflicts can be resolved with dialogue, not weapons.
Reporting for this article was done by Barry from Milan.
References: [1] Vatican News. (2025, August 3). Pope Francis to young people: "You are the sign that a different world is possible." [online] Available at: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-08/pope-francis-to-young-people-you-are-the-sign-that-a-different-world-is-possible.html
[2] The Associated Press. (2025, August 3). Pope Francis tells young people they are the sign that a different world is possible. [online] Available at: https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-religion-europe-italy-vatican-415705b0e4186e893e28346f75973a8b
[5] Crux. (2025, August 3). Pope Francis tells young people they are the sign that a different world is possible. [online] Available at: https://cruxnow.com/church-in-the-americas/2025/08/03/pope-francis-tells-young-people-they-are-the-sign-that-a-different-world-is-possible/
In the lead up to World Youth Day 2027, held in Seoul, South Korea, the Pope's message to the youth emphasized the significance of religious and political actions in addressing global conflicts. As the first World Youth Day to be hosted in South Korea, it is anticipated that Catholic youths will serve as live examples of resilience and hope, inspiring a world where war and conflicts can be resolved through peaceful dialogue.
In light of the event's spiritual and practical call for hope, the aspiration is that the next generation will be the catalysts of change, notably in politically and militarily stricken regions such as Gaza and Ukraine, showcasing that a different world, built on the pillars of unity, tolerance, and peace, is indeed possible.
