Pope Leo IV has announced that the next World Youth Day will be held August 3 through 8, 2027. The international gathering of young Catholics—the first held in Asia since 1995—will be preceded by multi-day Diocesan Days from July 29 to August 2. The theme is “Take courage; I have conquered the world.” (John 16:33).
Although WYD is primarily for young adults and youth ages 18-39, pilgrims of all ages are welcome. Many Dioceses have already begun to orgainize groups to attend.
Diocesan Days: July 29-August 2, 2027:
Preceding World Youth Day will be Diocesan Days from July 29 – August 2, 2027 across 15 regions in South Korea. Diocesan Days are when international pilgrims are hosted by local dioceses across the host nation for a few days. They stay in local parishes, participate in community service, engage in intercultural exchange, and experience the local culture before traveling to the main city for the Pope’s arrival.
Main events: August 3–8, 2027
Aug 3: Opening Mass in Seoul, presided over by the Ordinary of the diocese hosting the event.
Aug 4–6: Pilgrims join bishops for catechesis, Youth Festival, and the Way of the Cross.
Aug 5: Papal Welcome Ceremony. Young people gather with excitement to welcome the Holy Father on Thursday afternoon. The Pope and the pilgrims gather together to meditate on the Way of the Cross prepared for them by young people. Evening Prayer Vigil with the Pope.
Aug 7: Pilgrimage walk. All the pilgrims move to the venue for the Closing Mass. With the Holy Father, they pray and adore the Eucharist before settling in to spend the night there.
Aug 8: Closing Papal Mass. As Sunday dawns, the pilgrims celebrate Mass with the Pope. After the Closing Mass, the Holy Father announces the host of the next World Youth Day. Once the Closing Mass is finished, the Pope meets separately to encourage the WYD volunteers who worked so hard throughout the week.
Other events:
Reconciliation Park and Vocational Fair Tuesday, August 3 to Friday, August 6
Pilgrims are invited to reconcile with the Lord through Confession and hear His call by learning about diverse vocations.