SW News: The next World Youth Day will be held in Seoul, South Korea, in 2027. This was announced by Pope Francis at the Angelus in Campo da Graca in Lisbon on August 6 after the Commissioning Mass of WYD. The Holy Father said WYD will now move from the western periphery of Europe all the way to the Far East, demonstrating the universality of the Church.
When the announcement was made, a group of South Korean believers came to the dais with their national flag accompanied by prelates and priests from the Asian nation. The Holy Father also extended an invitation to young believers to come to Rome in 2025 for the Jubilee of Youth.
Pope Francis repeated the Portuguese word “obrigado” (thank you) several times, thanking the host, the president of the Republic Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and the organizers. He also used the opportunity to thank Lisbon for playing host to this mammoth gathering. Pope Francis also specially thanked all those who came from across the globe to take part in WYD.
He advised young believers to relive the graces received these days whenever they feel fatigued or stressed after returning to their home countries. “You are the holy people of God walking in the joy of the Gospel,” he said. He also made a special mention of suffering Ukraine, saying that he was feeling sorrow for the country.
The pontiff also used the occasion to specially thank all grandparents who are instrumental in handing over the faith to the young generation. He said they are the roots. Pope Francis also thanked all the heavenly patrons of WYD, especially Pope St John Paul II who were watching over from heaven. The Holy Father also thanked the Lord and the Blessed Mother for their protection. The pope also extended closeness to the victims of landslides of Georgia and sought the intercession of the Blessed Virgin for the families of the affected people.