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(Originally published by the Archdiocese of Seoul on May 2, 2025. Reposted with permission.)
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On Saturday, April 26, the first event in a series of symbolic tree-planting initiatives was held on the southern slope of Haneul Park in Sangam World Cup Park. The event is part of the “Breathe Life into the Whole World” campaign, a three-year ecological movement leading up to the 2027 World Youth Day (WYD), which will be hosted in Seoul. Approximately 80 volunteers, including youth representatives, volunteers, and clergy, participated in this meaningful afternoon of environmental action.

As a symbolic beginning to the campaign, a total of 300 Cornelian cherry trees (Cornus officinalis) were planted during the event. These trees, known for their early spring blossoms and carbon-absorbing properties, will contribute to the ecological restoration of the area while serving as a living sign of hope.

This campaign reflects the ecological vision set forth in Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical on care for our common home, which urges humanity to embrace environmental responsibility and protect the Earth as a shared dwelling. As Pope Francis emphasized, “An act as simple as planting a tree becomes a sign of hope for our planet and future generations” (Laudato Si’, 211).

The Archdiocese of Seoul, in collaboration with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, aims to plant over 10,000 trees across 6 events with the participation of some 2,000 volunteers. Haneul Park, a reclaimed landfill turned ecological haven, was chosen as a symbolic venue to reflect the spirit of renewal, hope, and sustainability.

WYD, which takes place every three years at the invitation of the Pope, is more than a religious gathering—it is a global celebration of faith, solidarity, and shared values, with a strong emphasis on intergenerational dialogue and environmental stewardship. Seoul’s selection as the host city for WYD 2027 underscores its growing role in global conversations about peace, climate action, and youth engagement.