Seoul: The organizers of World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul have named five patron saints to guide young people preparing for the global Catholic gathering, highlighting themes of faith, struggle, and witness.
The Local Organizing Committee said the saints were chosen to reflect the event’s focus on truth, love, and peace. The list includes Pope St. John Paul II, St. Andrew Kim Taegon and his companions, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, St. Josephine Bakhita, and St. Carlo Acutis.
Organizers said the five figures come from different continents and historical periods, but share experiences shaped by persecution, migration, slavery, and modern cultural challenges. These experiences, they said, mirror the realities many young people face today.
The selection process began in late 2024 and included a nationwide survey involving young people, youth ministers, and pastoral workers. This was followed by discussions within the organizing committee. A group of young volunteers later spent two months studying the lives and spirituality of the saints and preparing prayers and symbolic reflections.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell said patron saints play an important role in preparing for World Youth Day. He noted that they help young people reflect on their calling in life and encourage them to respond with courage and generosity in following Christ.
He also expressed hope that the witness of these saints would inspire young people, especially those facing hardship and persecution, to see holiness as something real and possible in their lives.
Archbishop Peter Soon taick Chung, who leads the organizing committee, said the saints offer practical examples of living faith in today’s world. He said young people can learn from their lives and build a deeper spiritual connection as they prepare for the event.
Organizers added that more programs and initiatives will be introduced to help young people engage with the saints. An interactive feature called Meet Your Patron Saint has also been launched, allowing users to discover which saint they relate to most.
World Youth Day 2027 is expected to bring together young Catholics from around the world for prayer, reflection, and cultural exchange.