Seoul: Pope Leo XIV has expressed his anticipation to meet young Catholic faithful at the upcoming World Youth Day (WYD) scheduled to take place from August 3-8, 2027, in Seoul, as announced by the Archdiocese of Seoul.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the pontiff confirmed the event dates and his intention to attend during the closing message at the Jubilee for Young People in Rome. The Mass, celebrated at Tor Vergata, gathered approximately 1 million young participants from 146 countries, including 1,400 South Korean attendees.

Pope Leo XIV emphasized the continuation of the "pilgrimage of hope" for young people leading to Asia. He reiterated an invitation initially extended by Pope Francis during the 2023 WYD in Lisbon. He encouraged young pilgrims to become witnesses of hope globally, expressing eagerness to see them in Seoul and to collectively dream and hope.

The 2027 World Youth Day will be a historic event for South Korea, marking the first time it hosts the global gathering and the second time it is held in Asia, following the 1995 event in Manila, Philippines. The Archdiocese of Seoul estimates that up to 800,000 participants from across the globe will attend and is preparing extensively to ensure a successful event.