World Youth Day (WYD) is a global gathering of young people from across the Catholic Church, centred on encountering Christ, one another, and the wider Church.

Held every few years in a different international city, WYD is more than an event, it's a pilgrimage. Young people come together to pray, celebrate their faith, and experience the unity of the worldwide Church.

What began in the 1980s as a simple invitation from Pope Saint John Paul II quickly grew into something much bigger. Hundreds of thousands of young people responded, revealing a deep desire for connection, purpose, and faith. In response, WYD was formally established as a continuing global celebration of young people and the Church.

WYD follows a rhythm that brings together prayer, formation, and celebration:

Opening Mass – marks the beginning of the gathering

Catechesis – teachings and small group gatherings with bishops

Youth Festival – music, cultural events, and creative expression

Reconciliation & Vocations spaces – opportunities for prayer and discernment

Welcome with the Pope – a joyful gathering of the global Church

Way of the Cross – reflecting on Christ’s Passion

Vigil – overnight prayer, adoration, and community

 Closing Mass – the sending forth of pilgrims

In 2027, World Youth Day will take place in Seoul, South Korea, bringing the global Church to Asia for the first time in over three decades.

Seoul is a dynamic, modern city, but it is also deeply shaped by a powerful story of faith. The Catholic Church in Korea began with lay people searching for truth and has grown through the witness of martyrs who remained faithful in the face of persecution.

This unique history gives WYD Seoul a distinctive character:
          • Encounter sacred sites and stories shaped by the witness of Korean martyrs
          • Experience a rich blend of ancient tradition and vibrant modern culture
          • Be welcomed into a living Church known for its hospitality, energy, and youthful faith

“Take courage! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

The theme of World Youth Day Seoul 2027 is a call to hope. In a world shaped by uncertainty, conflict, and pressure, WYD invites young people to discover a deeper confidence, not in themselves alone, but in Christ.

The official WYD27 logo visually reflects this same message. Its dynamic design weaves together the name “Seoul” with the letters WYD, symbolising the meeting of cultures and the unity of young people from around the world.

At the centre is a cross, representing Christ’s victory, surrounded by bold colours that express the spirit of the pilgrimage:
• Red highlights sacrifice and the witness of the martyrs
• Blue reflects the energy and vitality of youth
• Yellow represents the light and presence of the Holy Spirit

Together, the theme and logo capture the heart of WYD Seoul 2027: A global Church united in faith, strengthened in hope, and sent out with courage.