The theme for the 41st World Youth Day, held in Seoul, Korea has been announced: it is from the Gospel of John, “Take courage! I have overcome the world.”
This news and other details were released during a press conference at the Vatican that featured Irish-born Cardinal Kevin Farrell alongside Seoul bishops and youth from Korea.
Cardinal Farrell that the traditional handing over of the World Youth Day cross will take place during Mass on November 24 in St. Peter's Basilica.
CARDINAL KEVIN FARRELL
Prefect, Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life
As is customary after every international World Youth Day, the young people of Lisbon will hand over the symbols of World Youth Day to the young people of Seoul, or of Korea. The Youth Cross and the icon of Mary Salus populi romani marks the beginning of the Korean Church's spiritual preparation for World Youth Day.
An auxiliary bishop of Seoul outlined the ways the Korean Church is already spreading the spirituality of World Youth Day, by hosting youth Masses and festivals and launching a campaign dedicated to offering a billion rosaries. The Bishop also explained this newly launched logo, that features red and blue to symbolize Christ's victory.
And a Korean youth leader spoke of how the COVID-19 pandemic caused many young people to drift from the faith.
GABRIELA SU-JI KIM
WYD Youth Leadership
Now that we can gather once more, we face the challenge of a scattered flock, struggling to pass on the experience of faith. However, I am confident that WYD Seoul 2027 will provide a crucial opportunity to rekindle the flames of faith, not only in Korea but also around the world.
Around 11% of Korea's population is Catholic. This is the first time World Youth Day will be held in Asia since 1995, when Pope John Paul II presided over the event in the Philippines.
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