The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of World Youth Day (WYD) Seoul 2027 has announced the launch of the official theme song contest, inviting musicians and composers worldwide to take part in shaping the spiritual soundtrack of the upcoming global gathering of Catholic youth.
According to the LOC, together with the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, the competition seeks original compositions that will become the official hymn of WYD Seoul 2027. The winning entry will “accompany millions of young people at the next World Youth Day celebration.”
The organizers stressed that theme songs have always been at the heart of WYD celebrations. “It is not simply background music, but a melody that echoes throughout the gathering, helping young people connect with one another and with the heart of the event. Long after WYD concludes, the song continues to live on, carrying with it the memory of joy, hope, and unity,” the announcement stated.
For 2027, the chosen theme is drawn from the Gospel of John: “Take courage! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). The LOC said this reflects the current moment: “In an age marked by anxiety, division, and rapid change, this message proclaims Christ’s victory and peace anew. Hosting WYD in Seoul — a city where cutting-edge modernity meets rich tradition, and where Christianity is not the majority — offers a unique opportunity for reconciliation, dialogue, and witness.”
The contest is open to all, regardless of nationality or place of residence. Composers may submit works in any musical genre, and in any of the official WYD languages: Korean, English, Italian, Spanish, French, or Portuguese.
The organizers said the selection committee will judge entries “not only for their artistic merit and originality, but also for how faithfully they reflect the WYD theme.” They added that special attention will be given to compositions that are “easy to sing and remember, can be embraced by large gatherings of youth, and that have the potential to be adapted into different languages and musical settings, including choral and choreographic arrangements.”
The winning composer will receive a commemorative plaque and support for their pilgrimage to WYD Seoul 2027.
The competition is hosted by the WYD Seoul 2027 Local Organizing Committee in collaboration with the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, and organized by the WYD Seoul 2027 Music Committee. Full details regarding eligibility, deadlines, and submission procedures are available on the official WYD Seoul 2027 website: wydseoul.org/en.
