Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life | September 24, 2024
The press conference also announced the passing of the symbols of WYD on November 24th in St. Peter’s
The press conference “Towards WYD Seoul 2027” took place this morning, September 24.
“You also bear witness, because you are with me” and “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world!”
In the Press Office of Sede Sede, in the presence of journalists and communications professionals, the themes chosen by the Holy Father for the 40th and 41st World Youth Days were presented. The theme of the 40th World Day (2025) chosen by Pope Francis is: “You also bear witness, because you are with me” (cf. Jn 15:27); the theme of the 41st World Youth Day (2026 and Seoul 2027) is: “Take courage: I have conquered the world!” (cf. Jn 16:33).
November 24, 2024: The traditional passage of the WYD symbols from Lisbon to Seoul
The press conference, moderated by Dr. Cristiane Murray, Deputy Director of the Press Office, was attended by Cardinal Kevin J. Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life, who also recalled that on November 24, the World Day will be celebrated in St. Peter’s Basilica at the level of the particular Churches, during which the traditional handover of the symbols of WYD will take place – the Youth Cross and the icon of Mary Salus populi romani . The handover will take place during Holy Mass and will be from the young people of Lisbon, the country organizing WYD 2023, to the young people of Seoul, organizers of the next WYD in Seoul 2027. The symbols will then be able to begin their usual three-year pilgrimage in the host country and neighboring countries.
The official logo of WYD Seoul 2027: the call to the youth of Korea and the world to proclaim the faith of the martyrs to the world of our time
In addition to the themes chosen for the next two WYDs and the announcement of the handover of symbols, the official logo of WYD Seoul 2027 was also unveiled. The logo of WYD Seoul 2027 captures the vision and aspirations of this epochal event and focuses on the theme “ Take courage, I have overcome the world!” ( Jn 16:33), chosen by the Holy Father. It integrates the multiple meanings of martyrdom, youth, Seoul, WYD and the cross, celebrating the glory of the victory achieved through the Holy Spirit, and announces the call to the young people of Korea and the world to proclaim the faith of the martyrs to the world of our time.
Also speaking at the press conference were the Archbishop of Seoul, His Excellency Mgr. Peter Soon-Taick Chung, OCD, Archbishop of Seoul and President of the Local Organizing Committee (COL) of Seoul 2027; HE Mgr. Paul Kyung Sang Lee, General Coordinator of WYD Seoul 2027; and Gabriela Su-Ji Kim, a young Korean.
