By Herald Malaysia
SEOUL — South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has described the 2027 World Youth Day (WYD) in Seoul as a powerful message of hope for a world marked by conflict, division and uncertainty.
“The theme chosen for World Youth Day Seoul 2027 speaks powerfully to our time,” Lee said in an exclusive statement released to Fides, the Vatican’s missionary news agency.
“At a moment when conflict and division continue to test the foundations of peace and coexistence, it reminds us that hope is stronger than fear,” he said.
On June 15, Lee met Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations.
Pope Leo XIV is expected to attend the international gathering, scheduled to take place in Seoul from Aug. 3–8, 2027. Hundreds of thousands of young people from around the world are expected to participate.
“The Pope’s presence in Seoul will remind us that moral leadership, compassion and dialogue remain indispensable in a fractured world,” Lee said.
He noted that today’s youth face unprecedented challenges but also possess extraordinary opportunities.
“Their generation will help shape how humanity responds to division, inequality, technological transformation and the urgent task of building a more peaceful future,” he said.
Lee described WYD as a unique opportunity for encounter among peoples and cultures, reaffirming South Korea’s commitment to welcoming pilgrims from every continent.
He expressed hope that the gathering would help young people deepen their faith, forge lasting friendships and rediscover the value of solidarity across borders and cultures.
The president also stressed that WYD is not a political event but a global celebration of faith and unity. He voiced hope that participants would return home carrying the spirit of hope, solidarity and dialogue.
“If they do, World Youth Day will leave a legacy far beyond Korea — a legacy of courage, friendship and peace for generations to come,” he said.
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