Pope Saint John Paul II, Saint Andrew Kim Taegon, a priest, and his fellow martyrs, along with three other saints, have been selected as the patron saints of the World Youth Day Seoul 2027.

The Vatican’s Dicastery for the Laity, Family, and Life and the 2027 Seoul World Youth Day Organizing Committee announced on the 26th that the patron saints include Pope Saint John Paul II, Saint Andrew Kim Taegon, Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini (1850–1917), Saint Josephine Bakhita (1869–1947), and Saint Carlo Acutis (1991–2006).

The World Youth Day designates saints who serve as models of faith for youth at each event. The selection process for this year’s patrons began in late 2024, involving nationwide surveys of adolescents, youth, and pastoral workers, followed by committee deliberations and final approval from the Vatican.

Pope Saint John Paul II, chosen as the patron for next year’s event, is the founder of the World Youth Day. Saint Andrew Kim Taegon and his fellow martyrs laid the foundation of the Korean Church. Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, an Italian nun, established 67 institutions, including orphanages, schools, hospitals, and convents in the U.S., South America, and Europe. Canonized in 1946 as the first U.S. citizen to receive sainthood, she is known as the patron saint of immigrants. Saint Josephine Bakhita, born in Sudan, was sold into slavery as a child but became a religious sister who transformed suffering into faith, symbolizing hope and freedom. Saint Carlo Acutis, a young saint of the digital age, is recognized as a model for evangelization through online platforms.

Organizing Committee Chairman Archbishop Chung Soon-taick stated, “The patron saints span continents and eras, offering concrete guidance for youth navigating faith in today’s realities. We hope young people will discover their examples in their own lives and form deep spiritual bonds as they prepare for the World Youth Day.”