Top Stories 24/07/29 South Korea begins official preparations for WYD 2027

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South Korea begins official preparations for WYD 2027

A universal prayer in various languages by young people from different countries symbolized global unity embraced by WYD

Pilgrims and bishops celebrate on stage holding a South Korean flag as the next World Youth Day (WYD) is to be held in Seoul, during the closing at Tejo Park, Lisbon, on Aug. 6, 2023. (Photo: Thomas Coex/AFP)

By UCA News reporter

Published: July 29, 2024 11:46 AM GMT

Updated: July 29, 2024 11:51 AM GMT

Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick of Seoul has said the upcoming World Youth Day (WYD) 2027 in South Korea will offer a platform for the youth to emerge as “protagonists of their own narratives.”

Chung told guests and over 1,000 young people gathered for the launch event, themed “Hope Ignites in Seoul. Success for WYD Seoul 2027,” that the WYD stage will serve as “an opportunity and a space of hope” for the youth.

“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,” Chung added.

The inaugural mass was held at Myeongdong Cathedral on July 28, the archdiocese said in a July 29 press release.

Cardinal Andrew Soo-jung Yeom, Bishop Job Yo-bi Koo, Bishop Paul Kyung-sang Lee (the general coordinator of the WYD Seoul 2027 Local Organizing Committee), and Bishop Titus Sang-Bum Seo of the Korea Military Ordinariate concelebrated the Mass.

The dignitaries present for the inaugural event included Gleison De Paula Souza, secretary of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, Yong Ho-sung, vice minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, and diplomatic representatives from eight countries among others.

Also present were 19 members of the National Assembly, nine members of the Seoul City Council, youth including North Korean defectors, those with disabilities, and soldiers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, symbolizing unity and inclusivity.

“Together, I wish to cultivate this shared hope through WYD,” Chung said and added that the WYD represents an “invaluable opportunity for youth from across the globe, including our Korean youth, to reflect upon and engage with these challenging tasks.”

A universal prayer was led in various languages by young people from different countries, symbolizing the global unity embraced by WYD, the press statement said.

Archbishop Giovanni Gaspari, the apostolic nuncio to Korea, highlighted the profound connection between Pope Francis and the youth in his congratulatory message after the Holy Mass.

“Young people inspire hope and sympathy in the pope’s heart. It strikes the great sympathy and passion with which he speaks about the young and to the young,” Gaspari said.

Gaspari added that the pope looks to the young people of Korea, “with great confidence and affection,” recognizes the essential contribution they could make to WYD, and “accompanies them with his prayers.”

Meanwhile, Souza expressed hope that the WYD journey be “one of discovery, growth, and joy,” for the participating youth and those unable to join the event.

“May you return to your homes inspired and motivated to effect change within your communities and the broader world,” Souza said.

The inaugural ceremony before the Holy Mass consisted of a flag parade featuring Korean youth alongside international youths bearing 193 flags as they entered the Myeongdong Cathedral.

The flags symbolized “the worldwide affirmative response to Pope Francis’ invitation for Seoul to host WYD in 2027,” the press statement said.

The Kick-off Declaration was read by Chung who is also the chair of the local organizing committee for WYD Seoul 2027, alongside two Korean youth delegates.

The motto and logo for the 2027 WYD are slated for release in September this year by the Vatican and will be ceremoniously handed over to Seoul Archdiocese in November, the press statement said.

The 2027 WYD in Seoul will be the first such event held in a Christian minority country.

Catholics make up an estimated 11 percent of the country's population – about 5.7 million people – according to a 2020 report from the Korean bishops' conference.

According to research by Professor Taejun Lee from the KDI School of Public Policy and Management, the event is expected to have a considerable economic impact on the country.

It is estimated that the WYD-related sectors in the country may see a total of 11.3698 trillion South Korean Won (US$82.2 billion) in production impacts, 1.5908 trillion South Korean Won in value-added effects, and the creation of 24,725 jobs, the press statement said.