In a heartfelt message to young people worldwide, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of courage and hope during a special event at Saint Peter’s Basilica. The Pope was speaking to youth delegations from Portugal and South Korea, marking the handover of the World Youth Day (WYD) symbols—the Cross and the icon of Mary Salus Populi Romani—from Portugal to South Korea. The handover is symbolic as South Korea will host the next World Youth Day in 2027, and the Pope expressed his confidence in the young people to carry these symbols forward with great responsibility.
Reflecting on the significance of these symbols, the Pope reminded the gathered youth that they were originally entrusted by Saint John Paul II to be carried across the world, spreading messages of faith and hope. Pope Francis told the South Korean youth that, as they take the Cross to Asia, they will proclaim Christ’s love to all people. He urged them to embrace their mission with courage, especially at a time when the world desperately needs hope, peace, and solidarity. He also expressed his hope that the presence of these symbols in different parts of the world would strengthen God’s love and foster unity among nations.
The Pope’s words were not just about the symbols themselves, but also about the deeper message they carry. He called on young people to bear witness to the hope that is so urgently needed in the world today. In his prayer, he asked that the Cross and the image of Mary offer comfort and support to young victims of war and conflict, reminding everyone of the need for love and fraternity in times of hardship.
Later, during the midday Angelus, Pope Francis was joined by two young representatives from South Korea, who will take the WYD Cross to their homeland. He urged the faithful in St. Peter’s Square to applaud both the South Korean and Portuguese youth, acknowledging their dedication to the WYD journey. This year’s World Youth Day theme, “Those who hope in the Lord will run and not be weary,” as quoted from Isaiah 40:31, further reinforced the message of resilience and faith.
In addition to his remarks on the World Youth Day, Pope Francis shared some exciting news about the Church’s ongoing efforts to canonize new saints. He announced that Blessed Carlo Acutis would be declared a saint during the Jubilee of Teenagers in 2025, and also revealed that Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati’s canonization is set for August 2025, during the Jubilee of Youth. The Pope’s encouragement for these causes to come to fruition added to the sense of hope and renewal he hopes to inspire in young people around the world.
