As the Church prepares for World Youth Day (WYD) 2027 in Seoul, the Laudato Youth Initiative is inviting young people to turn faith into concrete action for our common home.
WYD 2027 will be celebrated in Seoul, South Korea, from August 3–8, 2027, under the theme: “Take courage! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). The theme is a call to young people to face today’s challenges with courage, hope, and faith in Christ (WYD Seoul 2027, n.d.). For Laudato Youth, this courage can become a powerful force for ecological restoration.
“A million begins with one.” – Laudato Youth Initiative.
World Youth Day 2027 is an opportunity to enhance our restorative One Million Tree-Planting Drive.
Through this initiative, young people are encouraged to restore degraded and polluted spaces, clear landfills around their communities, and transform neglected areas into places of life. By planting indigenous and fruit trees, communities can contribute to biodiversity, food security, ecosystem restoration, and climate action through our Laudato Si Clubs.
Planting Hope, Restoring Creation
The tree-planting drive is part of the Youth Legacy in Faith and Ecological Restoration Initiative. It expresses a faith that does not remain passive, but responds to the cry of the Earth and the cry of people experiencing poverty through practical action.
From Faith to Action
The purpose of World Youth Day is not simply to gather young people, but to deepen their encounter with Christ, strengthen their faith and send them back to their communities as witnesses of hope and courageous disciples. The official WYD Seoul theme connects this mission with the courage needed to confront the challenges facing young people and the world today.
For Laudato Youth, one way of living this courage is by caring for creation.
From Saturday, October 24, 2026, we will unite all our young people, and communities are to participate in World Youth Day Tree-Planting Projects as part of the journey toward Seoul 2027.
Every tree planted can become a living symbol of hope, a reminder that ecological restoration is possible when young people unite in faith, action, and responsibility. Let us take courage. Let us plant hope. Let us restore creation.
About World Youth Day
World Youth Day (WYD) is a global gathering for young Catholics initiated by Pope John Paul II in 1985. Celebrated each year locally, an international multi-day festival and pilgrimage takes place every two to four years in a major host city with the Pope
Official Prayer for World Youth Day Seoul 2027
Loving Lord of all young people,
we thank you for inviting us into your infinite love and mercy.Our Father, we entrust ourselves to you.
May young people everywhere be comforted in the embrace of your Church,
and come to share deeply in the joy of communion and unity.
we thank you for inviting us into your infinite love and mercy.Our Father, we entrust ourselves to you.
May young people everywhere be comforted in the embrace of your Church,
and come to share deeply in the joy of communion and unity.
Lord Jesus Christ, you overcome the world, both now and forever.
May all people discover the hope that lies in your call to take courage,
realizing that the cross of love and forgiveness is the true victory over the world.
O Holy Spirit, Flame of Love,
by your wondrous hand
you have sown the seeds of faith in Korea.
Kindle the flame of the Korean martyrs’ faith in our hearts,
making us into disciples who live out the gospel of peace, love, and truth.
Lord, we pray that through this pilgrim journey of World Youth Day
we may listen to each other, discern your will,
and become a synodal Church, walking together with all of God’s people. Amen.
Our Lady of Mercy and Peace, pray for us.
Holy patrons of World Youth Day Seoul 2027, pray for all young people.
Reference
Laudato Youth Initiative. (n.d.). One million tree planting. https://laudato-youthinitiative.org/plant-a-million-trees/
WYD Seoul 2027. (n.d.). Theme: Take courage! I have overcome the world. https://wydseoul.org/en
