Pope Leo XIV, who recently underwent lung cancer surgery, has effectively confirmed his plan to attend the 2027 World Youth Day (WYD) in Seoul next year.

In a video message released this evening (October 22), the Pope invited young people from around the world to Seoul, confirming his attendance by saying, "Let us embark together on a pilgrimage of faith, friendship, and hope."

This video message was recorded prior to the Pope's lung cancer surgery on the 13th, and it was released based on the determination that his health condition would not hinder his attendance at the Seoul event next year.

Today, October 22, the day the Pope released the message, is also the feast day of Pope Saint John Paul II, who first established World Youth Day.

Pope Saint John Paul II established World Youth Day in 1985 following an encounter with young people in Rome in 1984. Carrying on this vision, WYD continues today as a gathering where young people from all over the world meet in faith and fellowship.

In the video, Pope Leo XIV cited the words of Pope Saint John Paul II, "Do not be afraid, open wide the doors to Christ," and encouraged young people worldwide, saying, "Bring everything to this pilgrimage—your dreams, hopes, wounds, and hardships."

The Pope also expressed his anticipation for meeting the young people, stating, "I look forward to meeting you all in Seoul."

The Seoul World Youth Day Organizing Committee expects that the release of the Pope's video message, coinciding with the opening of the participation registration system, will serve as an encouragement for young people around the world to prepare and register for the pilgrimage they will share in Seoul.

(Photo & Video: Vatican, Rome)