Called to shine: 39° WYD celebration with Pope Francis

During the weekend of November 23-24, the 39^th World Youth Day was celebrated all around the world. In the Vatican, it was especially celebrated with the ceremonial passing of the Youth Cross from the Portuguese Youth to the Korean Youth.

A Rosary prayer to entrust to Mary the pilgrimage of the Youth Cross in Korea and Asia

The celebration commenced on Saturday, November 23, with a gathering of the Portuguese and Korean dioceses to pray the Rosary at the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, in front of the original icon of Mary, Salus populi romani. The praying of the Rosary was hosted by the Korean diocese and presided over by Cardinal Kevin J. Farrell, invited as a Prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life. Featured youth from Portugal, Korea, Italy, United States and other countries, all led a prayer to the mysteries of the Rosary. The Rosary ceremony concluded with a joyful celebration of singing shared by the Korean and Portuguese youth.

Youth Cross: an invitation to live out the Gospel and take it to the world, never ceasing to hope

            On Sunday, November 24^th, the Holy Mass on the Solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ King of the Universe was held in St. Peter’s Basilica. The Holy Father, Pope Francis, presided over the mass in honor of the 39^th World Youth Day. Members of the Korean and Portuguese dioceses, as well as youth from Portugal, Korea, and Rome were in attendance. In his homily Pope Francis reflected on the symbols of WYD saying “It is a sign, it is an invitation to all of us to live out the Gospel and take it to every part of the world, without stopping, without being discouraged, getting up after every fall and never ceasing to hope. Indeed, the theme of the message for today’s celebration is: ‘Those who hope in the Lord shall run and not be weary’ (cf. Is 40:31). You, young Koreans, will receive the Cross of Our Lord, the Cross of life, the sign of victory, but you are not alone: you will receive it along with our Mother. It is Mary who always accompanies us on our journey towards Jesus. It is Mary who in difficult moments is beside our Cross to help us, because she is our Mother, she is mum. Keep Mary in mind.”

Do not be ‘stars for a day’, you are called to shine in a wider sky

Pope Francis, also, reminded Youth to be “as you are: sincere and transparent. Do not be ‘stars for a day’ on social media or in any other context. You are called to shine in a wider sky. In heaven, the infinite love of the Father is reflected in many little lights. His love is revealed in us through the faithful affection between spouses, the innocent joy of children, the enthusiasm of young people, caring for the elderly, the generosity of consecrated persons, the charity shown towards the poor and the honesty upheld in work environments. Think of the things that will make you strong”. And then: “This is the true firmament where we shine like stars in the world (cf. Phil 2:15). Please do not listen to those who lie to you! No approval you receive can save the world or make you happy. Only the free gift of love can bring us happiness. What saves the world is the free gift of love. Love cannot be bought, it cannot be sold: it is gratuitous, it is a giving of oneself”.

Two young people at the window with Pope Francis for the Angelus Prayer

Following the Mass, the traditional and moving handover of the World Youth Day symbols took place. The symbols - the Youth Cross and the Icon of Mary Salus populi romani were handed over from a delegation of young people from Portugal to the youth from Korea, with their pastors, beginning their pilgrimage towards Seoul 2027. Then at midday, the Holy Father took to the window of his study in the Vatican Apostolic Palace to pray the Angelus, accompanied by two young people from Korea. After the Angelus the Pope greeted the delegations from Portugal and South Korea who “passed on the torch” of preparations for the WYD in Seoul, earlier that morning.

As the Youth Cross and Icon of Mary Salus Populi Romani begin their journey toward Seoul 2027, they carry with them the prayers, hopes, and enthusiasm of countless young Catholics worldwide. This transition not only symbolizes the continuity of faith but also ignites a spirit of preparation and anticipation for the next International World Youth Day in Seoul 2027.