Youths on Nov. 29 carry the icon of "Salus Populi Romani" to Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul's Jung-gu District.

By Margareth Theresia
Photos = Archdiocese of Seoul's promotion committee

The cross and the icon of the Mary Salus Populi Romani, the two main symbols of World Youth Day, have been brought to Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul.

The Archdiocese of Seoul on Nov. 29 held the event "Welcoming of Sacred Objects and Post Program" in the capital's Jung-gu District and unveiled the symbols containing a message from Pope Francis.

The enshrinement of the symbols in each host country is similar to the Olympic torch relay. To mark the beginning of Seoul's hosting of World Youth Day in 2027, the event will be the second of its kind in Asia and the first in a non-Catholic country.

The cross and the icon are the main emblems of the occasion, representing the faith and solidarity of young Catholics around the world. The wooden cross is 3.8 m tall and weighs 31 kg and symbolizes the center of the Catholic faith.

The icon depicts the Virgin Mary and the baby Jesus to symbolize the former's presence among youth.

Participants that day prayed for the comfort of youths struggling with college entrance exams or finding employment, the socially vulnerable such as migrant workers and the homeless, and those around the world suffering from wars.

 
Following the event's welcoming ceremony, a series of performances included those by expats in Seoul's Hannam-dong neighborhood, the ethnic Philippine and Vietnamese communities, and a domestic teenage band. After prayers at the Stations of the Cross, a series of images of Jesus on the day of His crucifixion, the symbols were enshrined on the right side of the cathedral's altar.

The cathedral will temporarily store the items before they are sent nationwide starting with the Diocese of Incheon. From 2026, they will be brought to churches around the world for viewing by youth before being returned to Seoul for the 2027 World Youth Day.

Youths from Korea on Nov. 24 receive the wooden cross, a symbol of World Youth Day, from their Portuguese counterparts at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.

World Youth Day allows Catholic youth from around the world to assemble and share their faith and solidarity. The triennial event is held for six days.

Culture and arts events for the occasion will also be held. 

Open to any youth regardless of religion, World Youth Day was launched in 1984 at the suggestion of Pope John Paul II. His successors have since attended the event.

margareth@korea.kr