Preps underway for World Youth Day just 12 months away in South Korea

 

WYD preparations in South Korea

Church

• South Korea
• world day
• young people
• dicastery

Preparations in full swing for 2027 World Youth Day in Seoul

As the one-year countdown to World Youth Day Seoul 2027 begins on August 3, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, urges Catholics to walk alongside young people towards Seoul 2027.

By Isabella H. de Carvalho

With one year to go until World Youth Day Seoul 2027, the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) is hard at work as it is moving preparations from groundwork to full implementation across all sectors, including international cooperation, pilgrim services, accommodation, transportation, safety, medical care and communications.

World Youth Day (WYD) occurs every couple of years and gathers together millions of young Catholics, and the 2027 edition will be held in the South Korean capital, Seoul, from August 3 to 8. It will be the second WYD to take place in Asia – following the 1995 one in Manila – and the first in a country where Christianity is a minority faith.

“Over the past three years, we have concentrated on laying the foundations for the event,” said Archbishop Peter Soon-taick Chung of Seoul, President of the LOC.

“The year ahead will be the time to complete our preparations and welcome young people from every part of the world. We will do everything possible to make WYD Seoul 2027 a celebration of hope and a witness to the hospitality and solidarity of Korea and Seoul.”

Preparations for World Youth Day Seoul 2027 (sito web GMG)

Walk alongside young people towards Seoul

“With one year to go until the start of World Youth Day Seoul 2027,” said Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, “the young people who will be travelling to Korea alongside their pastors are increasingly at the heart of the preparations for the event.”

“Over its forty-year history,” he emphasized, “World Youth Day has been progressively enriched thanks to the faith, enthusiasm, and active participation of young people and the local Churches.”

"I therefore renew my invitation to the Bishops and those responsible for youth ministry throughout the world to walk alongside young people towards Seoul 2027, making the most of these resources in their preparation, and helping them to experience the pilgrimage as an authentic experience of faith, ecclesial communion, and a personal encounter with Jesus". 

The theme song and a tree planting initiative

The one-year countdown, occurring next Monday, August 3, 2026, will be marked by the release of the official theme song on the WYD Seoul 2027 YouTube Channel. The song was chosen out of 434 entries sent in, including 294 from outside Korea.

The winning composition is called “Confidite, Ego Vici Mundum” – “Take courage! I have overcome the world” in Latin, which is also the verse from the Gospel of John that was chosen as the theme of this WYD. It was written by Korean composer Francis Jiyoon Kim.  

Cardinal Farrell noted how the theme song – along with the already released official prayer and the five patron saints of the event – are important “pastoral tools that will help young people prepare themselves spiritually for the 2027 event.”

Preparations for World Youth Day Seoul 2027 (sito web GMG)

On August 3, the LOC will also launch the Breath of Life Tree-Planting Campaign, which encourages young people to plant trees in their countries and share their participation online. It builds on a local initiative launched in 2025 with the Korea Forest Service and the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

This initiative is inspired by Pope Francis’ Encyclical Letter Laudato Sì, and a similar campaign had been done for the previous WYD, held in Lisbon, Portugal, in 2023. Almost 18,000 trees were planted by the time the WYD had begun on August 1, 2023.

Registration to open soon

Official registration for pilgrims is scheduled to open in the second half of 2026, and all the information about packages and how to plan their journey will be available on the official website.

Registration for volunteers will also open in the second half of 2026. A total of 378 volunteers are already participating in preparations. Recruitment of volunteers in Korea and overseas will begin with pilgrim registration, supported by training, spiritual formation and psychological care. Over 25,000 volunteers participated in the Lisbon WYD in 2023.  

Before travelling to Seoul for the main events, the young people will also participate in the “Days in the Dioceses” from July 29 to August 2 in 15 dioceses across Korea. They will stay with local communities and experience the faith and culture of the Church in Korea.

Cardinal Farrell: local Churches must help laypeople in basic Christian formation

 

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, addresses plenary assembly 

Vatican

• Kevin Joseph Farrell
• laity
• dicastery
• family

Cardinal Farrell: Local Church must help lay people with basic formation

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family and Life, opens the Dicastery's plenary assembly taking place this week in Rome with a call for local Churches to help laypeople in basic formation and with the hope that World Meetings be 'authentic experiences of encounter with Jesus.'

By Tiziana Campisi

On Wednesday, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family and Life, opened his Dicastery's third plenary assembly, being held from 4 to 6 February at the Jesuit General Curia in Rome, insisting there is a great need for a “basic formation” in the Christian life among lay people, in order to respond to “the alarming increase in the number of people who do not know Jesus Christ at all.”

Specifically, he called for a “formation of the heart,” which involves the whole life: at the origin of Christian life there is an encounter with the person of Jesus Christ, who first changes the heart, then our mindset, and eventually transforms daily conduct and all of life.

Evangelization and Catechesis

Cardinal Farrell stressed that the solution to the challenges facing the Church is not to change structures or the principles of Catholic doctrine or morality. Such changes, he said, will not “bring people back to Mass,” increase vocations, or draw young people back to the Church.

Rather, the Cardinal stressed, every local Church, diocese, and parish must offer, on a permanent basis, "paths of evangelization, catechesis, initial proclamation of the faith, Christian initiation, formation in the faith, and accompaniment in spiritual growth.”

He recalled that Pope Leo, in his Apostolic Letter Drawing New Maps of Hope, affirmed that Christian formation must embrace “the entire person: spiritual, intellectual, emotional, social, and physical,” and he encouraged lively, kerygmatic catechesis, introduction to sacramental life, liturgical celebrations, prayer life, examination of life in the light of Scripture, dialogue, experiences of fraternity, service, charity, and missionary activity.

A key element of this formation, he said, is the synergistic collaboration of all ecclesial components—pastors, lay people, families, single people, consecrated persons, lay associations and movements, youth groups, parish structures and programs, even online formation and “web apostles.”

Formation of families and couples

The Cardinal also insisted on the particular need for Christian formation and accompaniment of families and spouses, explaining that listening to Bishops during ad limina visits, and other interlocutors of the Dicastery, revealed a strong need to provide families with opportunities for formation in married spirituality, married life, family prayer, and the transmission of faith to children.

In this context, Cardinal Farrell encouraged that such formation be led primarily by couples who, through the witness of their own lives, can guide, enlighten, and support other spouses—especially younger couples and those facing moments of crisis.

Thus, He invited the Church to pray that “new saints may arise—whose zeal and creativity help the Church to bring many people closer to the faith”—and to foster “a renewed impetus for evangelization and catechesis.”

Objectives of formation

Summarizing the formation goals of the Dicastery, Cardinal Farrell said that in many ecclesial environments faith is not being generated in people but rather is often taken for granted. Christian formation must therefore generate faith and lead people into “a living relationship with God and with Christ,” fostering a mature Christian life in the Church.”

He emphasized the need for Episcopal Conferences to genuinely commit themselves to formation, and to identify fundamental criteria that can be used to develop guidelines for Christian formation that local Churches can adopt in their pastoral contexts.

World Meetings

Regarding the World Meetings organized by the Dicastery, including World Youth Day, the World Meeting of Families, and the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, Cardinal Farrell said that profound changes around the world must be taken into account, citing "cultural and economic globalization, increased social mobility and interculturality, growing religious indifference, and a renewed search for spirituality among younger generations."

Faced with these scenarios, the Pope called for pastoral creativity and new approaches and expressed his hope that the Meetings "can be evangelically more effective, touch people’s hearts, transmit grace, and have a lasting impact on their lives," becoming “authentic experiences of encounter with Jesus Christ.”

The Dicastery's activities

In his address, Cardinal Farrell also reviewed the Dicastery’s work since its establishment in 2016. In the area of Associations and Movements, eight annual meetings of moderators have been held, with ongoing accompaniment through meetings, statute review, and formation initiatives.

In the field of Family and Life, two World Meetings of Families have taken place, that in Dublin in 2018 and in Rome in 2022, and in 2022, the Dicastery published the Catechumenal Pathways for Married Life to introduce preparation for marriage and accompaniment in the early years of married life.

Regarding pastoral care of life, he recalled the work in this field of numerous Episcopal conferences using the resource Life is Always a Good.

Meanwhile, in youth ministry, World Youth Day was celebrated in Panama in 2019 and Lisbon in 2023, with preparations underway for Seoul in 2027, and, in pastoral care of the elderly, two international congresses have been held in 2020 and 2025.

Pope Leo XIV announces plans for 2nd World Children's Day

 

Pope Leo signs a flag bearing the 2026 World Children's Day logo  (@Vatican Media)

Pope

• Pope Leo XIV
• audiences
• children
• world day

Pope Leo XIV announces Second World Children’s Day in 2026

Pope Leo XIV announces the second edition of World Children’s Day, which will take place in Rome on September 25-27, 2026.

By Devin Watkins

At the Wednesday General Audience, Pope Leo XIV blessed and signed a flag bearing the official logo of the 2026 World Children’s Day.

“My thoughts go to children, whom I will have the joy of encountering on the Day dedicated to them, which is scheduled for September 25-27, 2026,” he said as he greeted Italian-speaking pilgrims.

Afterwards, a 7-year-old boy from Gaza, Majd Bernard, presented the flag to the Pope, together with Fr. Enzo Fortunato, OFM Conv., President of the Pontifical Committee for World Children’s Day (WCD).

According to a press release from the Committee, World Children’s Day will be “a moment of encounter, prayer, and celebration involving children and their families from all over the world.”

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life, said the Church wishes to pay attention to children and families.

“Children must be shown the beauty of peace—peace lived first of all within their families, in the places they frequent, and in the whole world,” said the Cardinal. “Children understand well the value of peace and suffer greatly when they sense tension and conflict around them, starting with their parents or in their surroundings.”

Cardinal Farrell expressed his hopes that the second WCD will offer “a beautiful opportunity for the Church to show closeness to children and their families, giving them hope and joy.”

The logo for the 2026 event, borne by the flag presented to the Pope on Wednesday, includes seven footprints, representing the seven continents.

According to the press release, the footprints recall the “simple and authentic gestures of childhood, a sign of the universality and purity of the little ones.”

Its various colors represent the diversity of cultures and form a harmony that seeks to welcome and value differences.

The Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica offers a symbolic embrace that “welcomes and protects children from all over the world, with the cross recalling the passion and resurrection of Christ.”

The first World Children’s Day, held in 2024, saw around 100,000 children in attendance, hailing from 101 nations.

“With the second edition in 2026,” noted the press release, “the Church renews her commitment to listening to and valuing the voices of the little ones, protagonists of a world that longs for peace, welcome, and a future.”

Fresh off an incredible Jubilee for Youth in Rome, preps moving forward for World Youth Day in South Korea

 

The Secretary of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life says preparations have already begun for WYD Seoul 2027  (@Vatican Media)

Vatican

• Pope Leo XIV
• dicastery
• family
• laity
• wyd
• South Korea
• Angelus
• jubilee

WYD Seoul: Preparations have already begun

Following Pope Leo's annoucement of the dates for World Youth Day in 2027, the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life extends an invitation to bishops and youth ministry offices worldwide to start their journeys towards the global event.

By Kielce Gussie

Following the Angelus on 3 August during the Jubilee of Youth, Pope Leo XIV announced the dates for the next World Youth Day, which is to be held in Seoul, South Korea.

During the Angelus prayer at Tor Vergata, Pope Leo renewed Pope Francis' invitation to everyone to attend WYD 2027   (@Vatican Media)

“I renew the invitation that Pope Francis extended in Lisbon two years ago: young people from all over the world will gather together with the Successor of Peter to celebrate World Youth Day in Seoul, Korea, from 3 to 8 August 2027.”

“I renew the invitation that Pope Francis extended in Lisbon two years ago: young people from all over the world will gather together with the Successor of Peter to celebrate World Youth Day in Seoul, Korea, from 3 to 8 August 2027.”

The journey continues

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life, responded to the papal invitation, expressing his gratitude for the announcement. He also extended an invitation to formators, youth ministry offices, and bishops “to journey together toward Seoul, guided by the theme of WYD Seoul 2027: ' Take courage! I have conquered the world!'

The Prefect shared that it is the theme of the 2025 Jubilee Year—hope—that helps encourage everyone to proclaim the Gospel message throughout the world. “It is up to young people to become pilgrims of hope to heal loneliness and poverty, and to become witnesses of peace in this world torn apart by divisions, conflicts, and wars”, he continued.

According to the Dicastery’s Secretary, Dr. Gleison De Paula Souza, preparation for the WYD in two years has already started and “is proceeding quickly towards the dates chosen by the Holy Father.”

The Dicastery has teamed up with the Local Organizing Committee of Seoul, Dr. De Paula Souza explained, as well as the bishops and young people from around the world, “welcomed by the Korean Church, come together to witness that the encounter with Christ changes lives and gives the courage to overcome the challenges to which they are called.”

See you in Seoul

Closing the Angelus, the Pope tied in the Jubilee message with World Youth Day, saying:

“It is precisely the hope that dwells in our hearts that gives us the strength to proclaim the victory of the risen Christ over evil and death; and you, young pilgrims of hope, will be witnesses of this to the ends of the earth! I look forward to seeing you in Seoul: let us continue to dream together and to hope together.”

“It is precisely the hope that dwells in our hearts that gives us the strength to proclaim the victory of the risen Christ over evil and death; and you, young pilgrims of hope, will be witnesses of this to the ends of the earth! I look forward to seeing you in Seoul: let us continue to dream together and to hope together.”

The stage is set: all 133 voting Cardinals are together in Rome for the Conclave

 

Vatican

• Conclave
• sede vacante
• cardinals

All 133 Cardinal electors arrive in Rome as Cardinals hold tenth General Congregation

The Cardinals hold their tenth General Congregation to prepare for the upcoming conclave and continue their discussions on the state of the Church and their hopes for the future.

By Vatican News

The Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, told reporters on Monday that the 179 Cardinals, including 132 Cardinal electors, participated in the tenth General Congregation.

He noted that all 133 Cardinal electors are present in Rome, ahead of the conclave that starts on May 7.

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, told the Congregation that Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Farrell drew lots on Saturday afternoon for the room assignments of the Cardinals. All will be accommodated at the Casa Santa Marta and the old Santa Marta.

The Cardinal electors, said Mr. Bruni, will be able to travel from the Casa Santa Marta to the Sistine Chapel as they wish, even on foot—but along a protected route.

There were 26 interventions at the Congregation on Monday morning that touched on the following topics:

- Canon law and the role of the Vatican City State.
- The missionary nature of the Church.
- The role of Caritas in defending the poor.
- The presence of so many journalists was highlighted, seen as a sign that the Gospel has meaning for the world today—as a call to responsibility.
- The prayer during the COVID pandemic was recalled, as an open door of hope in a time of fear.
- Regarding the new Pope: many hope for a shepherd close to the people, a gateway to communion, gathering everyone in the blood of Christ, in a world where the global order is in crisis.
- The challenges of transmitting the faith, caring for creation, war, and a fragmented world were discussed.
- Concern was expressed over divisions within the Church.
- The role of women in the Church, in the context of synodality.
- Vocations, family, and the education of children were addressed.
- Reference was made to the documents of the Second Vatican Council, especially Dei Verbum, on how the Word of God is nourishment for the people of God.

Mr. Bruni said all efforts are being made during the General Congregations to ensure that all Cardinals who wish to speak have the opportunity to do so.

Work has been mostly completed on the Sistine Chapel, as well as on accommodations at the two Casa Santa Martas, and Cardinals may check in as of Tuesday morning.

Journalists, said Mr. Bruni, will not be able to visit the Sistine Chapel, since the Vatican Gendarmerie have already secured it. However, he noted, images will be released showing the prepared interior.

The coffin of Pope Francis to be sealed Friday evening

 

Pope

• Pope Francis
• mass
• liturgy
• funeral
• faith

Pope Francis’ coffin to be sealed in rite on Friday evening

Pope Francis’ coffin will be sealed during a liturgical rite held in St. Peter’s Basilica on Friday, April 25, at 8:00 PM.

By Devin Watkins

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will preside at the Rite of Sealing of the Coffin of the late Pope Francis, ahead of the papal funeral on Saturday morning.

The liturgical rite will be attended by several Cardinals and Holy See officials.

It will mark the end of public viewing in St. Peter’s Basilica, which has seen tens of thousands of people pay their respects to the late Pope.

As his mortal remains lie in state, over 50,000 people have filed past the Altar of the Confession in the 24 hours since the Vatican Basilica opened to the faithful on Wednesday morning.

St. Peter’s Basilica remained open until 5:30 AM on Thursday, closing for an hour and a half before reopening at 7:00 AM.

Tens of thousands of the faithful have paid their respects to the late Pope Francis   (VATICAN MEDIA Divisione Foto)

The Office for the Liturgical Celebrations requested the presence at the Rite of Sealing of the Coffin on Friday of Cardinals Giovanni Battista Re, Pietro Parolin, Roger Mahony, Domenique Mamberti, Mauro Gambetti, Baldassare Reina, and Konrad Krajewski.

Those assisting the rite will also include Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, Archbishop Ilson de Jesus Montanari, Monsignor Leonardo Sapienza, the Canons of the Vatican Chapter, the Ordinary Minor Penitentiaries of the Vatican, the late Pope’s secretaries, and others admitted by the Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, Archbishop Diego Ravelli.

Read also

23/04/2025

Novemdiales: Cardinals set schedule for nine days of mourning

23/04/2025

Second General Congregation of Cardinals held in the Vatican

Pope Francis’ funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 AM in St. Peter’s Square, marking the beginning of the Novemdiales, an ancient tradition of nine days of mourning and Masses for the repose of the late Pope’s soul.

The Novemdiales Masses will be held each day at 5:00 PM (GMT +2) in St. Peter’s Basilica, except for the Mass on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 27, which will take place at 10:30 AM in St. Peter’s Square.