On 24 November, the Solemnity of Christ the King, on the occasion of World Youth Day in the Particular Churches, in St. Peter’s Basilica the traditional passing of the symbols of World Youth Day (WYD) will take place between the young people of Lisbon who will hand over to those of Seoul the Cross of the young people and the icon of Mary Salus Populi Romani. The theme chosen by Pope Francis for the WYD in Korea: “Have courage: I have conquered the world!”.

After 32 years, WYD will return to Asia, after the one in Manila in 1995. Why Korea? Cardinal Kevin J. Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life, explains: “Because of the strong missionary spirit of the Pope, who wants to bring the Word of God to everyone to make them understand that we can live together in peace”.

Although Korean Catholics represent only 11% of the population,
“The Church is full of vitality and is enriched by the heroic testimony of many martyrs,” continued the Prefect. “Asia’s natural openness to dialogue will be of great help to young people, the messengers
of peace of the future.”

Finally, he concluded, the dynamic Asian context will make young people reflect on the dialogue between faith and modernity. “Let’s think about the loss of meaning in life, the digital revolution, the climate crisis and economic inequalities,” he said. “These great questions will be a stimulus for contemporary culture to be transformed by the Gospel.”

The WYD, Farrell continued, presents three opportunities: first of all, it is an occasion for all young people for a general “rediscovery of the beauty of Christian life”, which can then be “fertile ground for the flourishing of many vocations, to marriage or to the priesthood and to consecrated life”, for the benefit of the Church in Korea, the Asian continent
and the universal Church.

Secondly, the natural openness of Asia to the coexistence of cultures, to dialogue and complementarity, will be, according to the cardinal, “of great help to young pilgrims, in their journey of formation to become the messengers of peace of the future, in a world so torn by conflict
and opposition”.

Finally, the dynamic Asian context will lead young people to reflect on the dialogue between faith and modernity: if climate crisis, economic inequalities, digital revolution and loss of meaning are the distinctive traits of the most developed societies, young people will be encouraged to give their personal contribution so that contemporary culture is fermented and transformed by the Gospel.

Msgr. Peter Soon-taick Chung, Archbishop of Seoul and President of the Local Organizing Committee recalls the history of Korea and the periods of persecution, but above all, the strength of the first faithful, who welcomed the seeds of the Gospel.

The WYD in Korea, Msgr. Peter Soon-taick Chung explains, will be “a meaningful journey in which young people, united with Jesus Christ, will reflect and discuss the modern challenges and injustices they face” and a “celebration” that “will allow everyone to experience the vibrant and energetic culture created by young Koreans”.

Through this “collective journey”, the archbishop added, the pilgrims of the WYD will become “courageous missionaries”, inspired to live the joy of the Gospel that they have found.

Regarding the relationship with North Korea, Msgr. Peter Soon-Taick Chung comments: “The relationship is not favourable. But if it is possible, we will also invite young North Koreans”.

In anticipation of 2027, Monsignor Paul Kyung Sang Lee, general coordinator of the WYD said that about 1,000 Korean youth will participate in the Jubilee of Youth that will be held in Rome in August next year. Preparations for the WYD, he added, have already begun.
“Our youth are open to interreligious dialogue and many priests have become friends with Buddhist monks. The WYD wants to be
a great event of unity.”

The prelate pointed out that the logo, was inspired by the brushstroke techniques of traditional Korean art. “There is a cross in the centre,” he explained. “The red and blue colours symbolize Christ’s victory over the world, the blood of the martyrs and the vitality of young people. Finally, the yellow that shines behind the cross represents Christ,
the “Light of the World”.”

Kim Suji Gabriella, a young Korean who works in marketing and sustainability says: “After experiencing the WYD in Krakow in 2016, I had the honour of participating in the Synod on the journey with young people in Rome in 2017 as a Korean delegate. This precious experience of meeting and interacting with the Pope and young people has fuelled my commitment to serving the Church”.

The young lady, who began her service as a catechist, tells how the pandemic has dispersed the flock, but she says she is confident: “Through the WYD in Seoul 2027, we will forge a path of unity, hope, courage and passion, welcoming people from all walks of life, not just Catholic believers, to walk together in harmony”. (C.C.)