ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul: young people from all over the world to become “courageous missionaries”

Rome (Agenzia Fides) - From a country where faith was transmitted “without the help of missionaries”, young people are to become “courageous missionaries” able to bear witness to the joy of the Gospel. This is the wish of the organizers of the next World Youth Day, to be held in Seoul in 2027, whose logo and theme have already been decided.

“Take courage: I have conquered the world” (Jn 16:33) is the theme chosen by the Pope, while the logo depicts a red and blue cross. These colors symbolize Christ's victory over the world. The overall design is inspired by traditional Korean art, using the brushstroke techniques of Korean painting and including the Hangul characters that represent Seoul. In addition, the red on one side of the cross symbolizes the blood of the martyrs and harmonizes with the theme of “courage”. Blue represents the vitality of youth and symbolizes the call of God. Together, these colors recall the Taegeuk motif of the Korean flag. The yellow that shines behind the cross represents Christ, the "light of the world," who shines on the Church like the sun that rises in the east and leads the Church to unity.

The theme and logo were unveiled this morning during a press conference at the Vatican attended by Cardinal Kevin J. Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, which organizes World Youth Day, Peter Soon-Taick Chung, Archbishop of Seoul and President of the Local Organizing Committee for WYD Seoul 2027, and Paul Kyung Sang Lee, Auxiliary Bishop of Seoul and General Coordinator of WYD Seoul 2027.

“The pilgrimage to WYD Seoul 2027 will be more than just a gathering,” said the Archbishop of Seoul, pointing out that, along with the beginning of the Holy Year, “it will be a meaningful journey where young people, united with Jesus Christ, will reflect and discuss the modern challenges and injustices they face. It will be a great celebration where everyone can experience the vibrant and energetic culture of young Koreans. It will also be an opportunity to immerse oneself in and share the dynamic and passionate culture that young Koreans have created. In addition, this celebration will provide young Koreans with a valuable opportunity to engage with and share the concerns and passions of their peers.”

Korea, Bishop Paul Kyung Sang Lee continued, “is in a unique context, different from that of previous World Youth Days, characterized by the harmonious coexistence of different religious traditions. In this context, the Korean Catholic Church has always embodied the Christian virtues of 'forgiveness' and 'sharing', promoting these values in society while living peacefully with other religions. In the reality of living in a 'divided nation', the Church has worked tirelessly over the past seven decades to resolve the conflicts inherent in this division and has striven for peace and unity for the Korean people. The emergence of K-Catholic and K-Faith among our youth is a testimony to these efforts. Our youth and young believers remain open to interreligious dialogue and strive for harmonious and peaceful coexistence."

The road to Seoul, however, will first pass through Rome. As is customary after every international WYD, the young people of Lisbon will hand over the symbols of WYD to the young Koreans, namely the Youth Cross and the Marian icon of the "Salus populi romani" on November 24, the Solemnity of Christ, King of the Universe, during the Holy Mass that the Pope will preside over in St. Peter's Basilica.

"We hope that many young people, even those who have never participated in a WYD, will take a journey over the next three years, especially an interior journey, to finally meet the Successor of Peter in Asia and give a courageous witness to Christ together," concluded Cardinal Farrel. (F.B.) (Agenzia Fides, 24/9/2024)

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