Pope Leo XIV is inviting young Catholics around the world to take a bold step in their spiritual journeys by participating in World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul, South Korea, where thousands of young people are expected to gather in a celebration of faith, hope, and unity in Jesus Christ.
In a video message released Thursday, October 22, the Holy Father encouraged young people to register for the international gathering, emphasizing that World Youth Day is far more than an opportunity to travel abroad. It is an invitation to encounter Christ, strengthen their relationship with God, and discover the beauty of belonging to the universal Church.
According to Vatican News, registration has officially opened for the 17th international World Youth Day, which will take place in Seoul in 2027.
The Pope described the journey as a “call to set out on a pilgrimage of faith, friendship and hope,” encouraging young Catholics to recognize the deeper spiritual purpose behind the gathering.
For generations of young believers, World Youth Day has provided an opportunity to experience the Catholic faith beyond their local parishes and communities. The gathering brings together participants from different countries, languages, and cultures, united by their shared belief in Jesus Christ.
Pope Leo emphasized that this diversity is one of the Church’s greatest strengths.
“Yet, despite these differences, and indeed because of your God-given diversity, you will experience an even greater sense of unity, for we are all members of the one Body of Christ,” the Holy Father said, according to Vatican News.
His message highlights a central truth of Catholic teaching: although the faithful come from different backgrounds and traditions, they remain united through their baptism and their membership in the Body of Christ.
The timing of the Pope’s invitation carries special significance.
October 22 is the feast day of Pope St. John Paul II, who established World Youth Day and dedicated much of his pontificate to encouraging young people to embrace their faith with courage.
The theme selected for World Youth Day 2027, “Take courage! I have overcome the world,” reflects that same spirit of confidence in Christ.
It also echoes the message St. John Paul II delivered at the beginning of his pontificate on October 22, 1978, when he urged the faithful, “Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors for Christ.”
Nearly five decades later, those words continue to inspire Catholics facing uncertainty, spiritual struggles, and the challenges of living their faith in the modern world.
Pope Leo’s message builds upon that legacy by reminding young people that they do not need to have every aspect of their lives figured out before responding to God’s invitation.
Instead, he encouraged them to “bring all that you are and all that you carry in your hearts, including your dreams, desires, and hopes, as well as your wounds and struggles.”
According to Vatican News, the Holy Father emphasized that God is waiting to encounter each young person personally. He calls them by name and desires to “reawaken your hope and to give you the fullness of life and joy.”
The Pope’s words offer an important reminder that faith is not reserved for those who feel spiritually strong or certain about their future. Christ welcomes those who are searching, struggling, or seeking a deeper purpose in their lives.
World Youth Day provides a unique setting for that encounter through pilgrimage, prayer, and fellowship with other young Catholics.
Pope Leo also expressed his hope that participants would leave Seoul with more than memories of an international event. He wished that they would experience spiritual growth, discover lasting friendships, and strengthen their sense of belonging to the Church.
As preparations for Seoul 2027 move forward, the Holy Father’s invitation presents young Catholics with an opportunity to step beyond familiar surroundings and experience the worldwide community of believers.
The Pope concluded his message by expressing his eagerness to meet the young pilgrims in Seoul and offering his blessing to them and their loved ones.
For young Catholics considering whether to attend, his message is clear: World Youth Day is not simply a destination. It is an opportunity to answer Christ’s call, rediscover hope, and experience the unity of a Church that reaches across every nation and culture.
Registration information is available through the official World Youth Day Seoul 2027 website.
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