The Catholic Church in Seoul announced the expansion of the Mystery of Life Awards to international applicants, aiming to inspire and recognize young researchers and activists worldwide in alignment with the upcoming World Youth Day (WYD) 2027.
In a major step to broaden its impact on promoting the dignity and sanctity of human life, the Archdiocese of Seoul’s Committee for Life has opened the 19th Mystery of Life Awards to participants from around the globe for the first time.
This expansion reflects the Church’s commitment to engaging the global community in its mission, according to the Archdiocese.
Led by Archbishop Peter Soon-taick Chung, these prestigious awards—established in 2005 as part of the Archdiocese’s commitment to life—will now accept global entries from September 2 to October 31, 2024.
The awards celebrate exceptional contributions in life sciences, humanities, social sciences, and pro-life activities, and are now open to participants under the age of 49 from both domestic and international communities.
With a significant increase in total prize money to over 500 million won (approximately USD 375,000), awardees will receive commemorative plaques from the Archbishop of Seoul along with monetary prizes, ranging from 30 million won for Encouragement Awards to 200 million won for the top Excellence Award.
Bishop Paul Kyung-sang Lee, who chairs the Committee for Life’s Talent Development Fund and serves as General Coordinator of the WYD Seoul 2027 Local Organizing Committee, expressed his enthusiasm about the global reach of the awards.
“As we approach World Youth Day in Seoul, the Catholic Church is eager to support the initiatives of young researchers and activists. We hope this endeavor will serve as a platform to discover and nurture emerging talents,” he said.
The awards are divided into three categories:
Life Sciences: Recognizes groundbreaking contributions to embryonic stem cell research and cell therapy, provided they comply with Catholic bioethical standards.
Humanities and Social Sciences: Honors academic achievements in ethics, philosophy, sociology, law, theology, and related disciplines rooted in Catholic bioethics.
Activities: Celebrates efforts that have significantly promoted the protection, nurturing, and dignity of human life.
“Through the Mystery of Life Awards, we aspire to inspire everyone to live in a way that honors and celebrates the intrinsic value of life embedded in every aspect of our existence,” and he called for broad participation and interest,” said Fr. Leo Suk-joon Oh, Secretary General of the Committee for Life.
Winners of the 19th edition will be announced during the Sanctity of Life Sunday Mass at Myeongdong Cathedral on May 4, 2025, with the awards ceremony scheduled for June 2025.
