Pope invites youth to bring 'questions and wounds' to 2027 World Youth Day in Seoul

Pope Leo XIV has extended an invitation to young Catholics to share their questions, wounds, and the societal divisions affecting their countries at the 2027 World Youth Day in Seoul. Speaking through a message from the Holy See, the pontiff emphasized that he eagerly anticipates meeting these young individuals at the international gathering, which is scheduled from August 3-8 next year.

Pope Leo XIV clarified that one should not strive for perfection before approaching Christ, declaring that he meets people exactly as they are. The message underscored the theme of World Youth Day, highlighting the transformative power of Christ's love. The pope encouraged young people to embrace courage, acknowledging their anxieties about the future and societal pressures, particularly from social media and technology.

He stressed that technology can only mimic empathy and cannot substitute genuine human connections. The pope, who will visit Korea to preside over the event, reiterated these sentiments in a message published in Korean.