WYD 2027 “Not a Lecture but an Encounter,” Church Leaders Emphasize at Preparatory Meeting

World Youth Day Seoul 2027 should be an encounter that helps young people discover that they are loved by God and welcomed by the Church, rather than simply an event centered on information or instruction, church leaders said at the conclusion of an international preparatory meeting in Korea.

More than 400 Catholic youth ministry leaders and representatives from more than 100 countries gathered for the four-day meeting from September 14 to 17 to prepare for the global youth gathering scheduled in Seoul next year.

The meeting brought together representatives from more than 160 dioceses, religious congregations and ecclesial movements, along with staff and volunteers of the local organizing committee (LOC).

According to a statement released September 18 by Stephany Sun, Global Communications Manager of WYD 2027, participants received practical guidance on preparations for WYD Seoul, including the online registration system, pilgrim app, Days in the Dioceses program and the main events in Seoul.

They were also briefed on the pilgrim journey and ways dioceses can recruit, prepare and accompany young people. Participants visited possible venues, celebrated Mass at Myeongdong Cathedral and took part in a K-Culture Night and Days in the Dioceses Expo.

At the September 17 closing Mass, Bishop Paul Kyung-sang Lee, general coordinator of the LOC, said the delegates would return to their countries with the responsibility of sharing what they had experienced and helping young people prepare for WYD.

“Before anything else, young people need to discover that they are loved, loved by God, loved by the Church, and welcomed as they are,” he said.

He emphasized that World Youth Day was “not a lecture” but “an encounter.”

“When you return … share what you have received,” Bishop Lee said, encouraging the delegates to bring the same spirit to young people preparing to travel to Seoul.

The theme of encounter was also highlighted during the September 16 Mass at Myeongdong Cathedral, presided over by Archbishop Peter Soon-taick Chung of Seoul, president of the LOC.

Reflecting on the theme verse for WYD Seoul 2027, “Take courage! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33), Archbishop Chung spoke of young people living amid conflict, division, competition and uncertainty.

He described World Youth Day as a pilgrimage of hope and urged those involved in preparation to reach beyond young Catholics who regularly participate in Church activities.

“You are not simply gathering participants. You are inviting a young person to encounter the Lord,” he said.

Fr. Franco Galdino, youth area coordinator of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, said the meeting went beyond an exchange of information and helped generate enthusiasm for the upcoming celebration.

WYD Seoul 2027 will take place August 3–8, 2027, preceded by Days in the Dioceses in different parts of South Korea. It will be the second World Youth Day held in Asia after Manila hosted the event in 1995 and the first in a country where Christians are a minority.

International registration for WYD Seoul is scheduled to open at the end of October.