(ANS – Vatican City – October 22, 2026) – On the feast day of Pope St. John Paul II, founder of World Youth Day (WYD), Pope Leo XIV sent a message to young people around the world, urging them to register for WYD Seoul 2027. He emphasized that the gathering will offer an experience of “an even greater sense of unity, for we are all members of the one Body of Christ.”

With less than a year remaining until the next World Youth Day in Seoul, South Korea, registration has officially opened.

In a video message sent to young people worldwide on Thursday, Pope Leo XIV encouraged them to register, explaining that the invitation is not simply an opportunity to “see a new city.” Rather, he described it as a “call to set out on a pilgrimage of faith, friendship and hope.”

A pilgrimage, he explained, offers the opportunity to discover Christian sites in a new place while also allowing time and space to encounter God more deeply, both personally and within the community of the Church.

The 17th international World Youth Day will bring young people from around the world together in one place, celebrating the rich diversity of languages and cultures.

“Yet, despite these differences, and indeed because of your God-given diversity, you will experience an even greater sense of unity, for we are all members of the one Body of Christ,” the Pope emphasized.

For young people, Pope Leo XIV explained, WYD 2027 will be an opportunity to deepen their faith and encounter their brothers and sisters in Christ. He expressed his hope that they “will make joyful memories and form friendships that will last a lifetime.”

Bring Your Hopes, Struggles, and Dreams

The theme for WYD Seoul 2027 is “Take courage! I have overcome the world.” Thursday, October 22, marks the feast day of Pope St. John Paul II, who repeatedly shared this message with the world: “Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors for Christ.”

These words from the Pope who established World Youth Day continue to resonate with people today. With this in mind, Pope Leo XIV challenged young people to “bring all that you are and all that you carry in your hearts, including your dreams, desires, and hopes, as well as your wounds and struggles.”

God, the Pope emphasized, is waiting for them at World Youth Day. He calls each of them by name and wants to “reawaken your hope and to give you the fullness of life and joy.”

Pope Leo XIV concluded his video message by expressing his anticipation of meeting everyone in Seoul and offering his blessing to all young people and their loved ones.

By Kielce Gussie

Source: Vatican News