Pope Leo XIV urged young people worldwide to bring their hopes, wounds and struggles to World Youth Day in Seoul as registration for the 2027 gathering opened Oct. 22.
“On this pilgrimage, bring all that you are and all that you carry in your hearts, including your dreams, desires, and hopes, as well as your wounds and struggles,” the pope said in a video message released by the Holy See Press Office.
“The Lord is waiting for you in this place of encounter and communion,” he added.
World Youth Day Seoul 2027, the 41st World Youth Day, will be held Aug. 3-8 in the South Korean capital.
The pontiff said the gathering should be understood as more than a visit to another city.
“Today, as registration opens for next year’s World Youth Day, I warmly invite each of you to Seoul,” he said. “This is not merely an invitation to see a new city. It is a call to set out on a pilgrimage of faith, friendship and hope,” he added.
Registration opened on the liturgical memorial of St. John Paul II, who met young people in Rome in 1984 and established World Youth Day the following year.
Leo recalled words St. John Paul II “continuously proclaimed to all peoples: ‘Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors for Christ.’”
“These words also apply to each one of you,” he said.
The pope closed his message with: “I look forward to seeing you in Seoul!”
Pilgrims register through the official WYD Seoul 2027 platform linked to the event website. Registration forms are available in Korean, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese and Italian.
Pilgrims register in groups organized by bishops’ conferences, dioceses, parishes, religious congregations and other Catholic associations and communities. Individuals and small groups are encouraged to join an existing group.
The registration process has two phases.
In the first phase, a group leader creates an account and provides basic information, including the country, the leader’s details and the expected number of pilgrims. No payment is required at this stage.
After the account is activated, the group leader enters each pilgrim’s details, arrival and departure dates in Seoul and catechesis information before selecting a pilgrim package and paying the Participation Contribution.
Organizers are offering 11 pilgrim packages ranging from $70 to $340. Each includes public transportation in Seoul, insurance and a pilgrim kit, while accommodation and meals vary according to the package selected.
Minors need written consent from a parent or legal guardian and must be accompanied by an adult. Pilgrims who need a visa to enter South Korea and pilgrims with disabilities are also required to provide relevant information during registration.
The Oct. 22 opening covers pilgrims and volunteers. Registration for bishops is set to open in early November, while applications for the Youth Festival and Vocations Fair will open later that month.
Media registration is scheduled to open in May 2027.
Archbishop Peter Soon-taick Chung of Seoul, president of the WYD Seoul 2027 Local Organizing Committee, also appeared in a video marking the opening of registration, registering alongside young people as bishops encouraged pilgrims in South Korea and abroad to take part.
