In brief
Pope Leo XIV calls on youth to bring questions and wounds to Seoul’s 2027 World Youth Day, stressing in‑person connection and unity across cultures. He notes it will be the first event in South Korea and encourages authenticity amid social‑media pressure.
In a message released by the Holy See, Pope Leo XIV called on young Catholics everywhere to bring their questions and wounds to the 2027 World Youth Day in Seoul, South Korea.
The international gathering will take place from August 3‑8, 2027, marking the first time the event is held in South Korea and the second time in Asia after the 1995 meeting in Manila.
"Bring to Christ your questions and your wounds, even the wounds that tear apart your societies and set your countries against one another," the Pope wrote in his message. The word “Christ” is a sign that he comes to meet them as they are.
The Pope added that young people may feel anxious or pressured to appear perfect because of social media. He urged them to weigh technology’s role as a mimic of empathy, not a replacement for face‑to‑face closeness.
He highlighted the Theme of World Youth Day, promising that the gathering will unite people from different nations, languages and cultures and that it will reveal “the beauty of the universal Church” and the generosity of the Catholic Church in Korea.
Throughout the message, the Pope stresses that the event is about preparing hearts, not just logistical arrangements, and notes that he will be visiting South Korea for the first time since taking office last year.
Overall, the Pope’s call invites youth to bring their doubts and societal wounds into a shared pilgrimage, emphasizing authentic community and the power of in‑person connection at World Youth Day 2027.
