Vatican City: In a landmark development for the global Catholic community, South Korea is preparing to host the next edition of World Youth Day (WYD) the first-ever in a country where Christians form a minority. Scheduled to take place in Seoul from August 3–8, 2027, this monumental event is being hailed as a moment of profound significance for the Korean Church and a bold expression of the universality of faith.
With only 11% of South Korea’s population identifying as Catholic, and Christians comprising just over a quarter of the total population, the selection of Seoul marks a groundbreaking step by the Vatican. It is the second time the event will be held in Asia the first being the Philippines in 1995 and the first time ever in a non-Christian majority nation.
Church leaders view the decision as both courageous and prophetic. Bishop Peter Lee Ki-hyeon, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea, described the occasion as a “historic milestone” not just for the Korean faithful, but for the global Church. “We are honored and ready to welcome the youth of the world,” he said. “This is a moment of witness to show that faith is not confined by numbers, borders, or traditions.”
The chosen theme, “Take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33), sets a tone of resilience and hope, inviting young people across continents to come together in spiritual solidarity. Vatican officials emphasized that the Korea WYD is not just a celebration for Catholics, but an open invitation to all a global summit of faith, unity, and youthful energy.
Pope Leo X, who officially announced the 2027 WYD dates earlier today, expressed his deep joy and confidence in the Korean Church’s capacity to host an event of this scale and spiritual depth. His Holiness highlighted the importance of building bridges in a divided world, and viewed this gathering as an opportunity for renewal, mission, and intercultural dialogue.
The South Korean Church, known for its dynamic lay participation and robust charitable initiatives, sees the upcoming WYD as a chance to share its vibrant faith journey with the world. Preparations are expected to begin in earnest, with dioceses across Korea mobilizing volunteers, translators, logistical teams, and interfaith outreach programs.
With anticipation building globally, World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul is set to be not just a festival of faith, but a landmark testimony to the Church’s evolving mission: to reach the margins, cross cultural frontiers, and embrace all youth regardless of background in a spirit of courage, unity, and hope.