“Take courage! I have overcome the world”
John 16:33
World Youth Day 2027Are you ready for the journey of a lifetime?
Seoul, South Korea
Bishop Michael Kennedy's invitation to WYD 2027
As part of our ongoing commitment to building ALIVE Catholic Youth, Bishop Michael Kennedy is delighted to
announce that the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle will lead a pilgrimage to South Korea to join in this global celebration of faith and community.
Read more from Bishop Michael in his letter below and learn more about how you can get involved.
Bishop Michael's letter
2027 Theme
Rejoicing in hope (38th WYD theme) and never growing weary (39th WYD theme), become a witness to the Christ you have encountered (40th WYD theme) and gather your courage (41st WYD theme) to embark on the pilgrimage to Seoul!
Pope Francis chose John 16:33 as the theme for World Youth Day Seoul 2027. This verse, spoken by Jesus to his disciples at the Last Supper, reminds us of the irrevocable truth that despite the challenges of the world, Christ has already conquered fear, sin, and death. It is a call to hope and courage rooted in faith in the resurrection—not a passive optimism, but a bold confidence grounded in the living presence of Christ.
Young people across the globe today are confronted with a wide range of challenges, including conflicts, economic hardship, and an uncertain future. Thankfully, at WYD Seoul 2027, they can receive the joy of becoming the “salt of the earth and the light of the world.” Through their encounters with one another they will experience unconditional love, thereby gaining the strength to be sent back out into the world as “pilgrims of hope” and “courageous missionaries,” boldly putting into practice the joy of the Gospel they have discovered.
Join us for the World Youth Day Launch
Join us for the World Youth Day 2027 Launch event and get excited for an unmissable adventure!
Join us as we welcome the fist-class relic of St Carlo Acutis and launch World Youth Day 2027.
Date: Tuesday, 8 September 2026
Time: 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Venue: Sacred Heart Cathedral, 841 Hunter Street, Newcastle West
Find out more information and RSVP below.
RSVP here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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What is World Youth Day?
World Youth Day (WYD) is an international gathering of young people established by Saint John Paul II. First held in Rome in 1986, WYD is led by the Holy Father and takes place every few years in a host city chosen by the Pope. WYD is a pilgrimage of faith, an expression of the universal Church, and an instrument of evangelization for young people. Through prayer, catechesis, the celebration of the Eucharist, and fellowship, it invites participants to encounter Christ, deepen their faith, discern their vocation, and become active members of the Church. At the same time, WYD is more than a religious event. It is a global encounter where young people from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds come together to build friendships, learn from one another, and promote the universal values of truth, love, peace, solidarity, and respect for human dignity.
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When is WYD 2027?
WYD Seoul 2027 will be from August 3 (Tue) to August 8 (Sun), 2027.
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Where will the main events be celebrated?
At this stage, we are still in the process of preparing the event venues in close collaboration with the Vatican, as well as the Korean government and local institutions. We will publish more information as it is available on our official channels.
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Who are the WYD 2027 patron saints?
Organisers in Seoul, South Korea, announced five patron saints for World Youth Day (WYD) 2027, each reflecting the themes of truth, peace and love at the heart of the international youth gathering.
The saints are St John Paul II, who founded World Youth Day; St Andrew Kim Taegon and his companions, who were martyred for their faith; St Frances Xavier Cabrini, patron saint of immigrants; St Josephine Bakhita, patron saint of victims of human trafficking and modern slavery; and St Carlo Acutis, the millennial saint. According to LICAS News, organisers said the lives of the five saints reflect issues that remain relevant today, including persecution, migration and social struggle, while inviting young people, formators and pastors to reflect on the gift of God’s call. The selection process began in late 2024 with input from young people, youth ministers and pastoral workers, followed by deliberations by the WYD Organising Committee. Volunteers also studied the lives and spirituality of the saints to help prepare prayers and symbolic representations for the event, including a crozier for St John Paul II and a computer for St Carlo Acutis.
