The Message of the Holy Father Leo XIV for the 41st World Youth Day, 2026–2027 (Seoul) has been published

Once again this year, World Youth Day (WYD) will be celebrated in particular Churches around the world on the Solemnity of Christ the King, Sunday, November 22, 2026. “Take courage: I have overcome the world!” (cf. Jn 16:33) is the verse that guides Pope Leo XIV’s Message for this 41^st World Youth Day and for its corresponding international edition, to be held in Seoul from August 3 to 8, 2027. 

This year’s Message, which the Holy Father signed on the liturgical memorial of St. John Paul II last October 22, will accompany local Churches on their journey of preparation toward World Youth Day in Seoul and invites young people and youth ministry leaders to reflect on the following themes:

The source of true courage

Christian courage does not arise from personal willpower, but from the presence of Christ who walks with young people through their difficulties. It is courage for something (life, truth, freedom, justice, peace) and never against anyone.

“Many long for peace but encounter violence; many yearn for communion but experience loneliness.  Amid these contradictions, Christians are called to follow Christ in his gentle courage: the courage to show love when harshness seems easier and more effective; the courage to seek peace when confrontation appears more advantageous; and the courage to hold fast to hope when cynicism seems more convincing.” (Message of the Holy Father Leo XIV for the 41st World Youth Day)

The Meaning of Victory

“Your dignity does not come from the image you manage to create for yourselves.  You are precious because you have been created in the image of God, known by him and loved by him.” (Message of the Holy Father Leo XIV for the 41st World Youth Day)

Jesus has already conquered the world of evil and selfishness through the Cross and the Resurrection. Consequently, Christian victory is not the subjugation of others, but the gift of self. True victory, therefore, lies in opening oneself to love for one’s neighbor. Therefore, by following the path opened by Jesus Christ, young people do not need to assert themselves, constantly prove their worth, appear perfect, or hide their weaknesses, doubts, and limitations. Their dignity comes from being loved by God, and this is the freedom that Christ offers them—the freedom to move beyond exclusive concern for themselves and to open their hearts to the generous creativity of love.

The courage of humility

“A certain way of thinking tells us that we must do everything on our own, constantly working to improve ourselves and to develop a stronger personality and character.  Yet this can ultimately lead us to believe that we are our own saviors.  The Gospel shows us another path to growth: not saving ourselves, but allowing ourselves to be saved by Jesus Christ.” (Message of the Holy Father Leo XIV for the 41st World Youth Day)

 Recognizing one’s limitations and opening one’s heart to God does not mean losing oneself, but transforms every aspect of daily life—from personal relationships to the digital world—through a love that is a source of freedom and strength.

The peace of the Risen Christ that overcomes all fear

“Perhaps there are doors in your own hearts, and in the communities to which you belong, that remain closed because of disappointments, wounds, resentments or feelings of guilt.  Christ comes to offer you his peace and to reconcile you with one another.  Christian courage springs from the presence of the risen Lord who forgives and sends us forth.” (Message of the Holy Father Leo XIV for the 41st World Youth Day)

Just as the Risen Jesus entered the Upper Room behind closed doors, overcoming the disciples’ fear, so He does today with the hearts and Christian communities where young people are held back by disappointments or wounds. Christ offers a peace and forgiveness that instill true Christian courage, preventing fear from having the last word.

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The Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, therefore, ever at the service of young people, invites young people and youth ministry leaders to celebrate the 41^st World Youth Day in all particular Churches and to prepare—guided by the Holy Father’s words—for the celebration on November 22, continuing, in the months that follow, reflection and preparation among young people for the international gathering in Seoul in 2027.

All World Youth Day messages are available on the website www.laityfamilylife.va