The logo and theme for the upcoming World Youth Day in 2027, set to be held in Seoul, South Korea, were revealed by the Holy See Press Office.
During a press conference in Rome on September 24, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family, and Life, said that Pope Francis has chosen John 16:33 as the event’s theme, which says, “Take courage, I have already conquered the world.”
The cardinal said the Holy Father has chosen this particular Bible quote to encourage young people to embrace their faith despite living in a highly secularized world.
“This is an opportunity to remind young people that evangelization is not [just] about teaching ten rules to live by… but it is also teaching people to live according to the Word of God,” said Cardinal Farrell.
Meanwhile, Bishop Paul Kyung Sang Lee, General Coordinator of the World Youth Day 2027, unveiled the event’s official logo, which showcases traditional Korean calligraphy to write “Seoul” and the letters “WYD.”
In addition, the logo reflects the colors of the South Korean flag and integrates a “dynamic young man” to express the harmonious unity between East and West.
Bishop Lee also shared that the preparations for the World Youth Day “have already begun in earnest.”
He said that a local organizing committee and preliminary research teams for the event were inaugurated in December 2023.
Also present at the press conference was Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick of Seoul, who expressed his hope for World Youth Day to become an opportunity for the youth to “rekindle the passionate zeal of faith.”
“The pilgrimage of World Youth Day Seoul 2027 will be more than just a large gathering. It would be a meaningful journey where young people, united in Jesus Christ, reflect on and discuss the modern challenges and injustices they face,” said the prelate.
“It will be a grand celebration allowing everyone to experience the vibrant and energetic culture created by Korean youth,” he also said.
Furthermore, Gabriella Kim, who spoke on behalf of the Korean youth, said that the World Youth Day will be a chance to search for and regroup God’s “scattered flock.”
“I am confident that World Youth Day 2027 will provide a crucial opportunity to rekindle the flames of our faith, not only in Korea but also around the world,” she said.
South Korea will be the first country to host the World Youth Day where Catholics are a minority, accounting for only 11% of the population.
It is the second time the event will take place in an Asian nation since the WYD in Manila, Philippines in 1995.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
Latest News
