Pope Leo XIV has called on young people around the world to join "a pilgrimage of faith, friendship and hope" ahead of World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul.
The pope made the remarks in a video message released by the Vatican on the 22nd to coincide with the opening of the registration system for the 2027 Seoul World Youth Day. "Today, as registration for the gathering opens, I sincerely invite each and every one of you to Seoul," he said. "In Seoul you will meet young people who show the beautiful and rich diversity of every corner of the world," he added. "You are different from one another, but it is precisely thanks to that diversity given by God that you will experience a greater unity."
Oct. 22, the day registration opened, is also the feast day of St. John Paul II. The late pope established World Youth Day in 1985, a year after meeting with young people in Rome in 1984. In the video message, Pope Leo XIV cited St. John Paul II's words, "Do not be afraid, open wide the doors to Christ," and encouraged young people worldwide to "bring everything to this pilgrimage — your dreams and hopes, your wounds and your struggles." The pope also said he was "eagerly looking forward to the day I meet you in Seoul," expressing anticipation for the encounter.
The 41st World Youth Day, to be held in Seoul from Aug. 3 to 8 next year, is an international event bringing together young people from around the world to share their faith. Registration is handled through a system linked to the event's official website. Registration forms are available in the event's six official languages: Korean, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese and Italian.
Pilgrim registration is conducted primarily on a group basis. Bishops' conferences, dioceses, parishes, religious orders and Catholic communities in each country may form pilgrimage groups with their young members and register together. Participation packages come in 11 types, depending on the length of stay and whether they include lodging, meals, transportation, insurance and a pilgrim kit. Participation fees range from $70 to $340.