Pope Leo XIV to Lead World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul, South Korea
Pope Leo XIV will lead thousands of young pilgrims to Seoul, South Korea, for World Youth Day 2027 from August 3–8, 2027. The event marks a significant milestone as it is the second time an Asian country has hosted the gathering, and the first time it will be held in a nation where Catholicism is a minority religion. Local organizing committees, led by Archbishop Peter Soon-taick Chung and Bishop Paul Kyung-Sang Lee, are preparing the historic event under the theme "Take Courage! I Have Overcome the World." The official hymn, "Confidite, Ego Vici Mundum," was composed by Francis Jiyoon Kim and features both traditional Korean melodies and contemporary K-pop-inspired styles. The program includes an opening Mass, morning catechesis, and a prayer vigil with Pope Leo XIV. The event will also feature concerts, cultural performances, and a pilgrimage walk to the closing Mass. The five patron saints for the event are St. John Paul II, St. Andrew Kim Taegon, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, St. Josephine Bakhita, and St. Carlo Acutis.