Pope presides over WYD symbol handover ceremony

Dec 06, 2024

VATICAN: A 60-member Korean delegation received the Cross, the WYD symbol, from the Portuguese youth after the Mass on 39th World Youth Day, on November 24.

Pope Francis announced the South Korean capital Seoul as the host of the triennial global Catholic youth event at the end of the last WYD held in the Portuguese capital Lisbon on Aug 1-6, 2023.

The Korean delegation was led by Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick of Seoul.

In his homily, Pope Francis emphasized that the WYD symbol is an invitation and a sign for Christians to live the Gospel without being discouraged or losing hope.

“Young people must draw courage from Jesus’ fidelity to God, even in the midst of trials and humiliation,” he said. “Christians must cultivate devotion with the certainty of Christ’s eternal kingdom.”

Fr Justinino Choi In-Bee, secretary general of the Korean bishops’ Youth Commission said the WYD symbol holds special significance.

“Pope John Paul II gave the WYD cross to the youth in 1984, and the World Youth Day began when the WYD cross was handed over to the youth,” he said. “Therefore, the Church recognizes the WYD cross handover ceremony as the start of the World Youth Day.”

The handover ceremony was held after Pope Francis greeted the young people from Portugal and Korea who celebrated Mass together.

“This symbol of WYD was entrusted to us by Pope John Paul II to be carried around the world,” Francis said and urged the young people of Korea to “not be afraid and have courage.”

“We need the courage to bear witness to the hope that is needed today more than ever,” and “I hope that wherever these symbols pass, God’s love and brotherhood will grow,” he said.

During the Angelus prayer following Mass, the Pope invited two Korean youths to his office and asked the pilgrims gathered in St Peter's Square to applaud the young people from Korea and Portugal.

“Carrying the cross with the youth of various dioceses, I reflected on how the youth of Korea are joining forces to carry this cross and walk the path of faith together,” said Agatha Kim Ha-yan, a Korean Catholic youth from Jeju Diocese.

“I hope that Seoul WYD will be an opportunity for struggling youth to not give up on their faith and to walk joyfully in their faith,” Kim added.

“I hope that today’s passionate enthusiasm will continue until 2027 and beyond and be conveyed to young people around the world to bear fruit of love,” said former Seoul Archbishop Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung. --ucanews.com