▲ Young Korean worshipers pray during the Jubilee Vigil for Young People held in Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy, on Aug. 2, 2025, in this photo provided by the Archdiocese of Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

   SEOUL, Oct. 27 (Yonhap) -- Organizers for World Youth Day (WYD) 2027 said Monday the Seoul World Cup Stadium, Gwanghwamun Square, Olympic Park and Yeouido Han River Park are among the key venues being considered for the global event in Seoul, which Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to attend. 

 

   At a press briefing on the basic plan for the Aug. 3-8 event, the organizing committee, led by Archbishop of Seoul Archdiocese Peter Chung Soon-taick, said the Seoul World Cup Stadium is being considered for the Aug. 3 Opening Mass, which will officially commence WYD and showcase Korean history and culture.

 

▲ Archbishop of Seoul Archdiocese Peter Chung Soon-taick speaks during a press briefing for the upcoming World Youth Day (WYD) 2027 in Seoul on Oct. 27, 2025. (Yonhap)

 

   Pope Leo XIV will arrive in early August, with his official welcoming ceremony potentially at Gwanghwamun Square in the city center, featuring a car parade, a march and cultural performances. 

 

   The pontiff is expected to offer a message for the youth "to take courage amid the flames of war and the immense challenges of climate crisis and economic inequality, as they wander through spiritual isolation and social disconnection," Chung said.

 

   The pope is also said to be interested in talking to North Korean youth through the event, according to the committee. The pope's exact arrival date has yet to be announced.

 

▲ This Associated Press photo shows Pope Leo XIV appearing on the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican to bless the crowd below on May 11, 2025. (Yonhap)

 

   The event's final major gatherings -- the Vigil of the Archidiocese of Seoul on Aug. 7 and the Sending Mass on Aug. 8 -- are planned for either Olympic Park or Yeouido Han River Park. The pope will preside over the Sending Mass, where he is expected to bless the attendees and announce the host city for the next WYD. 

 

   The Archdiocese of Seoul anticipated up to 500,000 global attendees for the Opening Mass and as many as 1 million for the closing events. 

 

   The 2027 event will mark the first time the global event is held in South Korea and only the second time it has been hosted in Asia, following the 1995 gathering in Manila, the Philippines.

 

▲ Newly elected Pope Leo XIV is seen in this AP photo. (Yonhap)

 

   Pope Leo XIV, known for his humility and interest in Korean culture, has previously visited the country five times during his time as head of the Order of Saint Augustine. His upcoming visit will mark the fourth papal visit to South Korea, following those of John Paul II in 1984 and 1989 and Francis in 2014. 

 

   In early August, the pontiff announced his plan to attend the upcoming event in his closing message at the Jubilee for Young People in Rome.

 

   "You, young pilgrims of hope, will be witnesses of this to the ends of the Earth!" he said. "I look forward to seeing you in Seoul: Let us continue to dream together and to hope together."

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