The Local Organizing Committee (COL) of the World Youth Day (WYD) Seoul 2027 unveiled the official prayer for the event, crafted by Korean faithful and approved by the Vatican. The announcement was made on the Solemnity of Christ the King, as an invitation to the entire Church to begin the spiritual journey of preparation toward the world meeting.
A prayer born from the joint work between the faithful, bishops, and the Dicastery for the Laity
According to Aciprensa, the drafting of the text was the fruit of a community process in which 77 people from the Archdiocese of Seoul—volunteers, priests, staff, and foreign youth—participated during a two-day retreat. Subsequently, the bishops of Korea reviewed and refined the content in their plenary assembly. Finally, the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life, presided over by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, granted its approval.
The cardinal expressed his gratitude to the COL for “the gift of the prayer to the young people of the whole world” and for having made it public precisely on the solemnity of Christ the King, the day on which the particular Churches celebrate WYD at the local level.
A prayer inspired by the motto: “Take heart! I have overcome the world”
The text is inspired by the theme chosen for WYD Seoul 2027, taken from John 16:33: “Take heart! I have overcome the world”. The organization explained that the prayer gathers five great spiritual lines: Gratitude for God's universal call and for his unconditional love, which especially embraces young people. Filial trust in the Father, who gathers his children in communion and unity. The proclamation of Christ's victory, which invites courage, personal commitment, and recognizing in the Cross the triumph of love and forgiveness. The invocation of the Holy Spirit, “Flame of Love”, living memory of the origins of the Church in Korea and of the martyrial witness that has marked its history. And the commitment to walk as a synodal Church, open to listening, discernment, and co-responsibility.
We provide below the complete prayer:
Beloved Lord of all young people,
we thank you for calling us to your love and to your infinite mercy.
Our Father, we commend ourselves to you.
May the young people of the whole world find consolation in the embrace of your Church
and deeply share the joy of communion and unity.
Lord Jesus Christ, you have conquered the world, now and forever.
May each person discover the hope in your call to be courageous
and understand that the cross of love and forgiveness is the true victory over the world.
Oh Holy Spirit, Flame of Love,
with your wondrous hand
you have sown seeds of faith in Korea.
Ignite in our hearts the flame of the faith of the Korean martyrs
and make us disciples who live the Gospel of peace, love, and truth.
Lord, we ask you that through this WYD pilgrimage
we may listen to one another, discern your will
and become a synodal Church,
walking together with all the people of God.
Amen.