After journey across Asia, WYD Cross begins Korean pilgrimage

With a simple ceremony held in Seoul Cathedral, the itinerary that saw the symbols entrusted to young people by John Paul II travel through Bangladesh, Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan, East Timor, Thailand, Indonesia and Australia during 2025 came to an end. Sixty young people formed a living rosary, praying for those who suffer from poverty, war, the climate crisis and for their peers who have forgotten the love of Christ.

Seoul (AsiaNews) - ‘During its pilgrimage in Asia, this cross has given many people love and peace, consolation and hope, shining the true light. Now, through the pilgrimage to Seoul, we ask the Lord that the true light of Christ may spread widely in Seoul and throughout the world, so that the love, mercy and consolation of Christ may reach all humanity.’

With these words - reported by the Korean Catholic Times - the organising committee of World Youth Day Seoul 2027 gave thanks for the arrival of the World Youth Day Cross and the Marian icon - gifted by St John Paul II to young people - at the Chapel of the Holy Family in Myeongdong Cathedral, on 20 December last. The celebration marked the beginning of the Korean stage of the World  Youth Day symbols pilgrimage following their journey across Asia.

During the celebration, 60 participants formed a ‘community rosary,’ becoming the beads of the rosary themselves, and offered this prayer in remembrance of their brothers and sisters who are suffering in various parts of the world for different reasons. The participants prayed for those who suffer from poverty, war, the climate crisis and ethnic conflicts, and for those who, immersed in the values of the world, have forgotten the love of Christ.

The auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Seoul, Monsignor Job Koo Yo-bi, who presided over the celebration, encouraged the young people by saying, ‘I invite you to contemplate these symbols often and to prepare for World Youth Day in Seoul with the strength that comes from prayer.’

There was also a moment of sharing by some Korean volunteers who accompanied the pilgrimage. Agnese, who participated in the stage in Indonesia, said: "From the Indonesian faithful, I learned that WYD is an event where people who live their faith in their daily lives recognise each other and connect with each other. I will pray that this encounter and communion will continue in Seoul in 2027.‘

Bellina, who was with the cross in Japan, said: ’In the Mass celebrated together, even with different languages and contexts, we all formed one community in the same faith. The path we walk will not always be easy, but I will cherish the love that God gives us and walk with joy."

The pilgrimage to the Asian Churches began in Bangladesh and continued through Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan, East Timor, Thailand and Indonesia, ending in Australia. To organise the pilgrimage, the Committee coordinated the countries visited and the calendar through the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC), also sending young Koreans to create a network with young Asians.

During the pilgrimage, local young people participated in processions carrying the cross and in moments of Eucharistic adoration, confessions, the Way of the Cross, Taizé prayer and Eucharistic celebrations. The opening Mass of the Philippine Youth Meeting, organised in conjunction with the pilgrimage of the WYD symbols, was attended by 55,000 people. In Bangladesh, where Christianity is a minority religion, some 15,000 people took part in the pilgrimage, which took place in an atmosphere of great enthusiasm.

The pilgrimage of the WYD symbols in the Korean Church will begin in January 2026 in the Archdiocese of Seoul, pass through dioceses throughout the country, and conclude in May 2027 in the Diocese of Jeonju.

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