Christ the King Sunday: Global Celebration of Young People

Annual Celebration of Young People on the Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (Christ the King Sunday)

On this feast day… the Church proclaims the Kingdom of Christ, already present, but still growing in all its mystery towards its full manifestation … young people are indispensable bearers of the dynamics of the Kingdom of God, the hope of the Church and the world. – St. John Paul II

His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, will continue to celebrate youth and young adults on November 23, 2025, the Solemnity of Christ the King, which Pope Francis established in 2020, when he called for a renewal of the annual global celebration of young people in local Catholic communities which began with Pope John Paul II in 1986. Pope Francis noted at the time: “The center of the celebration remains the Mystery of Jesus Christ the Redeemer of Man, as Saint John Paul II, the initiator and patron of WYD, always emphasized.”

ANNUAL THEMES – 2024 to 2027

As the Church prepares for these gatherings – both annually and in Rome – the Holy Father has given a two-year guide to mark the journey, under the theme of hope, a virtue that the world is in need of and that shines forth particularly in young people. The themes can be seen as an extension of the Jubilee Holy Year (2025) in that they speak of the courageous hope and witness that young people can offer to the world through the lens of Christ and the Gospel.

• 40th Global Celebration / World Youth Day, 2025-2026: “You also are my witnesses, because you have been with me” (Jn 15:27)
• 41st Global Celebration / World Youth Day, 2026-2027: “Take courage! I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33)

For guides and other resources on the Christ the King Annual Celebration of Young People, please look to our Christ the King Annual page here.

Learn more about our diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Accompaniment.