World Youth Day Seoul 2027

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"Take courage! I have overcome the world."

Pope Francis chose John 16:33 as the theme for World Youth Day Seoul 2027.

This verse, spoken by Jesus to his disciples at the Last Supper, reminds us of the irrevocable truth that despite the challenges of the world, Christ has already conquered fear, sin, and death. It is a call to hope and courage rooted in faith in the resurrection—not a passive optimism, but a bold confidence grounded in the living presence of Christ.

Young people across the globe today are confronted with a wide range of challenges, including conflicts, economic hardship, and an uncertain future. Thankfully, at WYD Seoul 2027, they can receive the joy of becoming the “salt of the earth and the light of the world.” Through their encounters with one another they will experience unconditional love, thereby gaining the strength to be sent back out into the world as “pilgrims of hope” and “courageous missionaries,” boldly putting into practice the joy of the Gospel they have discovered.

Source: WYDSeoul.org

Where is World Youth Day and what is it?

 

World Youth Day 2027 will be in Seoul,
South Korea!

 

What is it?

Many people have called World Youth Day (WYD) “the most beautiful invention of Saint John Paul II.” Yet the Pope once attributed its origin not to himself, but to the young people of the world, affirming that the young people were the ones who invented WYD. World Youth Day is an international gathering of young people organized by the Catholic Church, initiated by Pope John Paul II in 1985. While celebrated annually on smaller scale, every few years a large global event is hosted by a different country and brings together youth from around the world to deepen their faith, encounter Jesus Christ, and experience the universality of the Church. The celebration typically includes prayer, catechesis, cultural exchange, and culminates in a Mass with the Pope, fostering unity, renewal, and a sense of mission among young Catholics.

Source: WYDSeoul.org

WYD Logo Explained

Colors

White: purity and conviction
Black: strong faith
Red: dedication and passion
Blue: energy of youth
Yellow: the light of Christ and a symbol of life

Symbols

Depicted to the left.

Interested in going to World Youth Day?

Join Verso Ministries and the Diocese of Grand Rapids for a life-changing week on pilgrimage. Experience the global Church firsthand amidst the unique and vibrant story of Catholicism in Korea. From remarkable saints, bustling markets, and moving shrines to Mass with the Pope and sleeping under the stars, join millions of Catholic young people in this worldwide encounter and celebration. You’ll never experience God, the Church, or your faith the same way again.

Learn more and register

Please reach out to Jesús Sanchez at [email protected], with any questions.

WYD Pilgrimage FAQs

 

The total cost is $5,459 which includes airfare from Grand Rapids and double, triple, or quad-occupancy rooms. For more information, visit here.

  • Verso pilgrimage director
  • Local Korean guide
  • Simple accommodations in double, triple or quad-occupancy rooms (including taxes)
  • Roundtrip airfare from Grand Rapids to Seoul
  • Airport transfer from Incheon airport to Seoul hotel
  • Gratuities for local guide and pilgrimage director
  • Breakfast daily at lodging, Welcome/Farewell dinners, and WYD meal vouchers
  • Daily Mass arrangements
  • Registration with WYD committee, including access to events, public transportation pass and WYD pilgrim kit
  • Access to Verso WYD spiritual and logistical preparation and follow-up resources
  • Verso pilgrim kit, including pilgrimage booklet
  • Fundraising resources

  • Passport, visa or luggage fees
  • Any personal purchases
  • Any meals not indicated on itinerary
  • Any required COVID tests or vaccinations
  • Recommended travel protection with Cancel for Any Reason coverage
  • Anything else not explicitly mentioned as included

You are welcome to pay in full at the time of registration, but Verso Ministries does offer a payment schedule as shown below:

  1. Deposit due upon registration - $500/person
  2. September 30, 2026 - 25% of package
  3. December 31, 2026 - 25% of package
  4. February 28, 2027 - 25% of package
  5. March 31, 2027 - Final balance