ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - Youth, culture and hope: Seoul prepares for WYD 2027

Seoul (Agenzia Fides) - There are still three years to go until World Youth Day in Seoul, but in South Korea preparations for the great event are already in full swing. The flags of 193 countries are currently flying over the Cathedral in Myeongdong, serving as a backdrop for the traditional opening ceremony of what will be a long journey marked by events, both national and international.

The ceremony, called "Hope lights up in Seoul", was attended by more than a thousand young people and several special guests, including Archbishop Giovanni Gaspari, Apostolic Nuncio to Korea, and Dr. Gleison De Paula Souza, Secretary of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life. Also present in the front row were diplomatic representatives from eight countries, the South Korean Vice Minister of Culture, Sport and Tourism, Yong Ho-sung, 19 members of the National Assembly and 9 members of the Seoul City Council.

Among the young people gathered in prayer under the high vaults of the Cathedral were also some from North Korea, several disabled young people and very young soldiers from the Army, Navy and Air Force. All gathered to symbolize the values of unity and inclusion that have always distinguished WYD.

The ceremony began with a parade of flags inside the Cathedral amidst songs and prayers. Under the wide vaults of the temple, a brief "playful" moment took place. This was followed by the opening declaration of the WYD. Archbishop Peter Soon-taick Chung, pastor of the Archdiocese of Seoul and president of the local organizing committee of WYD, led the ceremony.
Next to him were two young people, a symbol of the collective commitment of all the young people of the South Korean Church on this journey.

At the end of the ceremony, the study of the KDI School of Public Policy and Management on the economic impact that World Youth Day will have on the entire nation was released. In addition to the benefits and income derived from the various facilities and infrastructure, the event is also expected to create more than 24,000 new jobs.

This was followed by the celebration of Holy Mass presided over by the Archbishop of Seoul. Also concelebrating were Cardinal Andrew Soo-jung Yeom (Archbishop Emeritus of Seoul), Auxiliary Bishop of Seoul Job Yo-bi Koo, Monsignor Paul Kyung-sang Lee (General Coordinator of the Local Organizing Committee) and Monsignor Titus Sang-Bum Seo (Military Ordinariate of Korea). "The hope is that the Church can be a space for the young people of our time, a stage from which the new generations can emerge as protagonists. I am sure that this stage will be an opportunity and a space of hope for all,” said the archbishop during his homily.

“Together with you,” continued the bishop, addressing those present, “I wish to cultivate this hope through WYD. I believe that World Youth Day is an invaluable opportunity for young people around the world, including our Korean youth, to reflect and commit themselves. For the coming months, the imperative is to unite our hearts, pray together and listen to the Holy Spirit so that we can seriously prepare for this journey.”

At the end of the rite, the Apostolic Nuncio recalled the strong bond between the Holy Father and the new generations: “Young people inspire hope and sympathy in the Pope’s heart. The great passion with which he speaks of young people and to young people is striking. The Pontiff looks upon you, the young people of Korea, with great trust and affection. He recognizes the essential contribution that you can make to this WYD and accompanies you with his prayer.”

“Pope Francis chose Seoul as the host city for the next World Youth Day, aware of the historical and cultural richness of Korea,” declared Gleison De Paula Souza. “It is a city that embodies the spirit of innovation and hope, values intrinsic to our mission. To all the young people present, and to those who cannot join us, I fervently wish that this journey be one of discovery, growth and joy. May you return home inspired and motivated to bring about change in your communities and in the world at large.” The ceremony we celebrated was entitled “Hope lights up in Seoul.”
May our hearts also light up in the face of this wonderful experience.”

The next steps of the Church towards the Seoul WYD will take place in the autumn. In September, the motto will be unveiled, while the logo will have to wait a little longer. In November 2024, on the occasion of the annual WYD, which Pope Francis has moved from Palm Sunday to Christ the King Sunday, during the celebration of the Holy Father in St. Peter's Basilica, the young people of Lisbon will present to the young Koreans the large wooden Cross and the copy of the Salus Populi Romani, symbols of World Youth Day.

For years, the Cross and the Salus Populi Romani Icon have accompanied the preparations for the international editions of WYD: the presentation of the symbols to the young people of the host diocese of the Day always took place at the end of the Palm Sunday celebration presided over by the Pope in St. Peter's Square. This tradition dates back to 1984, when, at the end of the Jubilee Year of Redemption, Pope John Paul II entrusted the young people with the Jubilee Cross, known today as the WYD Cross, which has since been the focus of every international edition of WYD.
In 2003, the Holy Father also offered young people a copy of the Icon of Mary Salus Populi Romani, which accompanies the Cross on its pilgrimages throughout the world. (F.B.) (Agenzia Fides, 29/7/2024)

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