Seoul, South Korea—The journey to World Youth Day (WYD) Seoul 2027 has officially begun with a profound spiritual initiative: the launch of a nationwide pilgrimage of the WYD Symbols across South Korea. On January 20, 2026, the Archdiocese of Seoul formally inaugurated the pilgrimage with the blessing of 15 unique logo sculptures at the historic Myeongdong Cathedral.
These sculptures, each bearing the name of one of Korea’s dioceses, serve as a visible and tangible sign of the shared mission and grace that will accompany the nation’s preparations for the global youth gathering. The pilgrimage follows the return of the original WYD Cross and the Icon of Our Lady, Salus Populi Romani, from an international journey that spanned nine countries in 2025, including a significant stop in Rome during the Jubilee for Youth.
A Call to Courage and Communion
Archbishop Peter Soon-taick Chung of Seoul, presided over the blessing rite, emphasizing the spiritual significance of the symbols. He urged the faithful to dedicate themselves fully to preparations for “a festival of youth that will warmly welcome young people from all over the world,” and prayed that those who encounter the symbols may grow ever more in the likeness of the Son.
The theme chosen by Pope Francis for WYD Seoul 2027 is “Take courage! I have conquered the world!” (John 16:33). This powerful message, spoken by Christ at the Last Supper, is a call to hope and resilience, particularly resonant in a world facing numerous challenges. The pilgrimage of the Cross and the Icon serves as a physical manifestation of this theme, bringing the message of Christ’s victory and Mary’s maternal protection to every corner of the Korean peninsula.
The Significance of the Symbols
The WYD Cross, often called the “Youth Cross” or “Pilgrim Cross,” was given to young people by Pope St. John Paul II in 1984. It has since traveled the globe, becoming a powerful sign of Christ’s love and the universality of the Church.
The accompanying Icon of Our Lady, Salus Populi Romani (Protectress of the Roman People), is a venerated Byzantine image of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was entrusted to the youth by St. John Paul II in 2003 and is renowned for its graces, symbolizing Mary’s constant presence and intercession in the lives of young people.
The pilgrimage of these two sacred objects is a spiritual preparation, inviting young Koreans to reflect on the Passion of Christ and the role of Mary in the life of the Church.
A Journey of Unity and Ecological Responsibility
The 15 logo sculptures, produced using fully recyclable honeycomb board to reflect World Youth Day’s emphasis on ecological responsibility, will be distributed to all dioceses nationwide. The pilgrimage is set to begin today, January 21, in the Diocese of Wonju and will visit all 15 dioceses before returning to the Archdiocese of Seoul in June 2027.
This journey of the symbols is a sign of unity and communion, connecting the local Church in Korea with the global Church and preparing the hearts of the faithful for the arrival of millions of young pilgrims.
A Spiritual Resolution: Embracing the Cross and Mary’s Intercession
The pilgrimage of the WYD Symbols is a profound invitation to all the faithful, especially the youth, to embrace the spiritual journey of the Cross and to seek the maternal protection of the Blessed Mother.
To prepare our hearts for this great event and to live out the theme of courage and victory in Christ, we are called to deepen our spiritual life:
- The Holy Rosary: To pray the Rosary daily, meditating on the mysteries of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, and asking for the intercession of the Salus Populi Romani for the success of WYD Seoul 2027.
- The Sacrament of Confession: To approach the Sacrament of Confession frequently, allowing the grace of God to conquer the worldliness and sin in our own hearts, so that we may truly “take courage.”
- Eucharistic Adoration: To spend time in Eucharistic Adoration, contemplating the real presence of Christ, the source of all courage and the ultimate victor over the world.
- Sacred Scripture: To reflect on Sacred Scripture, particularly the Gospel of John, to internalize the message of Christ’s victory and allow it to shape our lives.
May the pilgrimage of the Cross and the Icon bring a renewed outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Church in Korea and prepare the hearts of young people across the globe for the grace of World Youth Day.
