Vatican City: Pope Francis welcomed youth delegations from Portugal and South Korea in Rome for the 39th World Youth Day celebration on the Solemnity of Christ the King. This event marked the symbolic handover of the World Youth Day (WYD) Cross and the icon of Mary Salus Populi Romani from the Portuguese hosts of WYD 2023 to the Korean delegation, who will organize the next global youth gathering in Seoul in 2027.

During Mass at Saint Peter's Basilica, the Pope highlighted the spiritual significance of these WYD symbols, originally entrusted to young people by Saint John Paul II. He encouraged the Korean youth to carry the Cross through Asia, proclaiming Christ's love and hope to all.
The Pope called for courage and faith, reminding them to spread the message of unity and peace amidst global challenges.

Standing alongside two Korean youth during the midday Angelus, the Pope invited applause for both the Portuguese and Korean delegations. He reflected on the day’s theme, drawn from Isaiah 40:31: “Those who hope in the Lord will run and not be weary.”

Pope Francis also announced the upcoming canonizations of Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati during Jubilee celebrations in 2025, recognizing their lives as inspirational examples of faith for young generations.

He concluded by urging the youth to embrace the WYD journey as an opportunity to deepen their faith and strengthen bonds of global fraternity.