South Koreans formally receive World Youth Day symbols

Representatives from South Korea formally received the official symbols of World Youth Day at the Vatican.

They received the WYD Cross and the icon of Mary Salus Populi Romani from the Portuguese youth, the previous host, in a handover ceremony on November 24.

Prior to the ceremony, Pope Francis addressed the Korean youth and invited them to be tireless witnesses of hope.

“I hope that this cross will be a comfort to you in a world marked by all kinds of conflicts and wars,” said the Holy Father.

Two Korean youths also appeared with Pope Francis when he recited the Angelus that afternoon, who stood beside him and waved their nation’s flag.

Leading the Korean delegation were Seoul Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick and Seoul Auxillary Bishop Paul Kyung Sang Lee.

Meanwhile, the Portuguese delegation was accompanied by the Patriarch of Lisbon Rui Manuel Sousa Valério.

The Archdiocese of Seoul is set to host the World Youth Day in 2027, the second Asian country to host the event.

Upon the arrival of the WYD symbols in Korea on November 29, they will be placed in the yard of Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul for public veneration. At nightfall, the archdiocese will hold an event to celebrate the acceptance of the symbols.

“We have prepared a variety of programs, such as a welcome performance, an outdoor Way of the Cross, and a prayer for this event, which will be a place of encouragement and comfort for young people," shared Father Yang Ju-yeol, executive director of the WYD 2027 Organizing Committee.

In anticipation of World Youth Day 2027, young Koreans will bring the symbols throughout the country and other Asian nations, visiting various cities, towns, and institutions.

This tradition was established by Saint John Paul II, who entrusted the wooden cross to the youth during the first Youth Gathering in 1984.

“Carry [the cross] throughout the world as a symbol of Christ’s love for humanity, and announce to everyone that only in the death and resurrection of Christ can we find salvation and redemption,” said the pope.

The WYD Cross first visited Korea in 1989 with Saint John Paul II during the 44th World Eucharistic Congress. It was brought again to the country in February 2007 in anticipation of the WYD in Sydney.

Since 2003, the WYD Cross has been accompanied by the icon of Salus Populi Romani to symbolize Mary’s maternal affection to the Church and all humanity.