Cardinal Farrell emphasizes the Cross as World Youth Day preparations continue

September 16, 2026

World Youth Day exists to help young people encounter Christ on the Cross, Cardinal Kevin Farrell told 300 youth ministry delegates during the second international meeting in preparation for next year’s World Youth Day.

Preaching at a September 14 Mass in Seoul, South Korea—the site of World Youth Day 2027—the prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life said that “we are here so that many hearts may open themselves to grace.”

“This is the mission of the Church,” he added. “This is also the mission of World Youth Day. At World Youth Day in Seoul, too, the cross of Christ will be raised so that many young people may look to Him, welcome His love, and become His disciples.”

Cardinal Farrell concluded:

Dear friends, let us lift our gaze to the cross of Christ; let us ask Him for every blessing for Korea, for this World Youth Day, for all the young people who will come, and for all the young people of the world.

Christ on the cross redeemed the world, but the fruits of this redemption must be received in our hearts; they must be brought to the men and women of today, and for this our collaboration is required. Let us entrust our work to the merciful Father and to the Virgin Mary, so that everything we do in preparation for the upcoming World Youth Day may be inspired by the same love for souls that overflows from the heart of Jesus. Amen.

 

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Further information:

• La croce di Cristo, salvezza e miracolo di comunione: omelia del card. Farrell a Seul (Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life, 9/14/26)
• HOLY MASS DURING THE SECOND PREPARATORY MEETING FOR WORLD YOUTH DAY SEOUL 2027 (9/14/26)