Christian World | Pope Leo XIV used a video message on Thursday to invite young people worldwide to register for World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul, as registration officially opened

ACW | October 23, 2026 — Pope Leo XIV, head of the Catholic Church, invited young people worldwide on Thursday, October 22, to register for World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul, South Korea, in a video message, Vatican News reported.

According to Vatican News, registration for the gathering, now less than a year away, has officially opened. The Pope released the message on the feast of Pope St. John Paul II, who founded World Youth Day.

Pope Leo said World Youth Day is more than seeing a new city; it is a "call to set out on a pilgrimage of faith, friendship and hope." He told young people to "bring all that you are and all that you carry in your hearts."

Vatican News said this will be the 17th international World Youth Day. Its theme comes from the Gospel of John: "Take courage! I have overcome the world."

AsiaNews, the news agency of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME), reported that the gathering will take place in Seoul from August 3 to 8, 2027. It said registration is by group, with forms available in six languages.

Background: Vatican News recalled that Pope Francis announced at World Youth Day 2023 in Portugal that the next edition would be held in Seoul. On the same Thursday, Pope Leo also met representatives of Catholic schools and universities: Pope Leo XIV urges Catholic schools to be a 'home' for the young.

Why it matters: According to Vatican News, World Youth Day brings together young people of many languages and cultures. Pope Leo said they will experience "an even greater sense of unity, for we are all members of the one Body of Christ."

ACW will continue to follow this story.

Sources: Vatican News — Pope Leo urges young people to register for 2027 World Youth Day; AsiaNews — A video invitation from Pope Leo opens registration for WYD 2027

Photo: Vatican Media — Pope Leo XIV meets representatives of Catholic schools and universities on October 22