SPOTLIGHT 24/11/24 Pope presides over World Youth Day symbol handover ceremony

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Pope presides over World Youth Day symbol handover ceremony

Pope John Paul II gave the WYD cross to the youth in 1984, which is handed over to the host nation 

The World Youth Day Cross handed over from the Portuguese to the South Korean youth. (Photo: Vatican Media)

By UCA News reporter

Published: November 27, 2024 11:22 AM GMT

Updated: November 27, 2024 11:51 AM GMT

Pope Francis presided over a special Mass during a ceremony to handover the World Youth Day Cross to a Korean Church delegation at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, marking the official start of WYD 2027 Seoul.

A 60-member Korean delegation received the Cross, the WYD symbol, from the Portuguese youth after the Mass on 39th World Youth Day, on Nov. 24.

Francis announced the South Korean capital Seoul as the host of the triennial global Catholic youth event at the end of the last WYD held in the Portuguese capital Lisbon on Aug. 1-6, 2023.

The Korean delegation was led by Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick of Seoul.

In his homily, Pope Francis emphasized that the WYD symbol is an invitation and a sign for Christians to live the Gospel without being discouraged or losing hope.

“Young people must draw courage from Jesus’ fidelity to God, even in the midst of trials and humiliation,” he said. “Christians must cultivate devotion with the certainty of Christ’s eternal kingdom.”

Father Justinino Choi In-Bee, secretary general of the Korean bishops’ Youth Commission said the WYD symbol holds special significance.

“Pope John Paul II gave the WYD cross to the youth in 1984, and the World Youth Day began when the WYD cross was handed over to the youth,” he said. “Therefore, the Church recognizes the WYD cross handover ceremony as the start of the World Youth Day.”

The handover ceremony was held after the Holy Communion of the Mass when Pope Francis greeted the young people from Portugal and Korea who celebrated Mass together.

“This symbol of WYD was entrusted to us by Pope John Paul II to be carried around the world,” Francis said and urged the young people of Korea to “not be afraid and have courage.”

“We need the courage to bear witness to the hope that is needed today more than ever,” and “I hope that wherever these symbols pass, God’s love and brotherhood will grow,” he said.

During the Angelus prayer following Mass, the pope invited two Korean youths to his office and asked the pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square to applaud the young people from Korea and Portugal. 

“Carrying the cross with the youth of various dioceses, I thought that the youth of Korea are joining forces to carry this cross and walk the path of faith together,” said Agatha Kim Ha-yan, a Korean Catholic youth from Jeju Diocese.

“I hope that Seoul WYD will be an opportunity for struggling youth to not give up on their faith and to walk joyfully in their faith,” Kim added.

“I hope that today’s passionate enthusiasm will continue until 2027 and beyond and be conveyed to young people around the world to bear fruit of love,” said former Seoul Archbishop Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung.

A special law to support the WYD

Earlier, on Nov. 7, a total of 59 South Korean lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties backed a proposed special law, the Special Act on Supporting the 41st Seoul World Youth Day in 2027.

The law contains the legal basis for the operation of the 2027 Seoul World Youth Day Organizing Committee and special provisions for the smooth preparation and progress of the event.

The bill first stipulates that the Archdiocese of Seoul may operate an organizing committee to prepare for and host the event. It also includes provisions that state, local governments, and public institutions must cooperate with the organizing committee’s request unless there is a special reason not to.

In collecting donations, a special provision of the Donation Act was proposed, which allows the organizing committee to accept voluntary donations within the scope that matches the purpose of the business. In addition, it allows the state and local governments to reduce various legal burdens to support the WYD.

It provides for special provisions regarding the Passenger Transport Business Act to respond to the schedule of large crowds moving between the metropolitan area and other regions.

In addition, it includes provisions that allow for requests seeking support from the state to prepare for terrorism and security threats. It also stipulates that the Minister of Health and Welfare actively cooperates with the health and safety of the participants in the Games.

Since the main event is to be in Seoul, a regulation was also established that allows the heads of central administrative agencies to delegate some of their authority to the Mayor of Seoul by presidential decree.

In addition, there are provisions for recruiting volunteers for the organizing committee, establishing the government's "2027 Seoul World Youth Day Government Support Committee," and enabling support for necessary business expenses when building or maintaining facilities related to the event.

This report is brought to you in partnership with the Catholic Times of Korea.