When St. John Paul II inaugurated the first World Youth Day in 1986, he envisioned much more than a large international gathering. He believed that young people were not simply the future of the Church but an active force in its present mission. In his message for the first World Youth Day, he encouraged young people with these words:
“Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15).
This biblical theme reflected his conviction that young people are called to be joyful witnesses of Christ in every sphere of life. World Youth Day was established to give young people the confidence to live their faith publicly, to discover the universality of the Church, and to become protagonists of evangelization and social transformation.
More than four decades later, that vision remains as relevant as ever. The challenges facing today’s generation, including fear due to climate change, conflicts and wars, faith concerns in some communities, social inequality, unemployment etc require the same courage and hope that inspired the first World Youth Day. The theme of World Youth Day Seoul 2027, “Take courage! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33), echoes this original vision, inviting young people to place their trust in Christ while responding creatively and generously to the needs of the world.
The Laudato Youth Initiative continues to reflect on this continuing mission which helping us in translate faith into concrete action by embracing integral ecology and an ecological spirituality that enhances caring for our common home. Inspired by Faith, Culture, good use of Science and technology, and the impact of SDGs, through our Laudato Si clubs to prepare leaders and change makers in communities with hands on skills on how to build a sustainable future in which every person, community, and the whole of creation can flourish through care for the natural environment and people by proclaiming the Gospel that includes protecting creation, standing with those most affected by environmental degradation, and fostering communities rooted in justice, peace, and hope.
“Take courage!I have overcome the world,”
As the Church prepares for World Youth Day 2027, the journey is about more than reaching Seoul. It is about forming a generation of missionary disciples who have the courage to witness to Christ through both their words and their actions. The Laudato Youth Initiative contributes to this vision by equipping young people to become leaders of ecological conversion, showing that care for creation is an integral part of Christian discipleship and a powerful expression of hope for the future.
