The official anthem for the World Youth Day gathering in Seoul has officially been released by Vatican News, carrying a musical translation of the biblical theme chosen by organizers for the international Catholic event.
Anthem Launch and Global Composition Winner
Titled “Confidite, Ego Vici Mundum” (meaning “Tende coragem: eu venci o mundo!”), the official hymn debuted on August 3, exactly one year before the opening of the international youth gathering with the Pope, according to Vatican News reporter Thulio Fonseca. The composition draws directly from the words of Jesus in John 16,33, which serves as the core lema for the Seoul meetings scheduled for August 3 to 8 of next year.
According to Vatican News, the winning piece was written by South Korean musician Francis Jiyoon Kim. His composition triumphed over 434 total submissions in an international contest run by the Local Organizing Committee alongside the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life. Out of those entries, 294 came from participants outside of South Korea, highlighting the universal reach of the upcoming gathering.
Did you know? The international contest for the Seoul anthem attracted 434 total submissions, with nearly 300 entries arriving from international participants outside of South Korea.
Dual Versions and Pastoral Application
Organizers released the anthem in two distinct official arrangements, as reported by Vatican News. The first option features a classic, solemn style tailored specifically for liturgical celebrations, while the second utilizes a pop format designed to appeal directly to young participants.
According to Cardinal Kevin Farrell, prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life, the music functions as an essential tool for evangelization and spiritual preparation. The cardinal stated that the hymn joins the official prayer and five previously named patron saints as a core pastoral resource meant to guide youth toward a personal encounter with Christ.
Countdown and Asian Context
The hymn release kicks off a 12-month countdown to the main events in South Korea’s capital. As noted by Vatican News, this iteration marks the first World Youth Day presided over by the Pope, the first hosted in South Korea, and only the second time the global Catholic youth event travels to Asia following Manila in 1995.
Alongside the musical rollout, the Local Organizing Committee introduced an international tree-planting initiative. This program pairs environmental stewardship with spiritual preparation, linking care for creation with the overarching themes of hope and renewal tied to the Seoul gathering.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the World Youth Day in Seoul take place?
The international gathering is scheduled to run from August 3 to August 8 of next year in South Korea.
Who composed the official anthem “Confidite, Ego Vici Mundum”?
The official hymn was composed by South Korean musician Francis Jiyoon Kim, who won an international contest organized by the Local Organizing Committee and the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life.
What is the biblical basis for the Seoul theme?
The event lema is drawn from the Gospel of Saint John (John 16,33), featuring the phrase “Tende coragem: eu venci o mundo!”
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