At each World Youth Day (WYD), patron saints are chosen as models of faith for young people. Based on the event’s spiritual themes of truth, love and peace, they are expected to offer spiritual guidance through the witness of their lives and spirituality. For WYD Seoul 2027, the selection process of patron saints began in late 2024. The selection team included a nationwide survey of young people, youth ministers and pastoral workers, followed by a review of candidates and deliberation by the Local Organizing Committee. Following the selection, a group of young volunteers dedicated two months to researching the lives and spirituality of the five patron saints. Through prayer, discussion and shared reflection, the team prepared a dedicated prayer and a representative symbol for each saint, seeking to express the distinctive witness that each saint offers to young people today. For WYD Seoul 2027, the five patron saints are Saint John Paul II (1920-2005), Saint Andrew Kim Taegon (1821-1846) and his companions, Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini (1850-1917), Saint Josephine Bakhita (1869-1947)