Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has described the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal as a sign of hope, highlighting the role of sport in promoting friendship, understanding and mutual respect among young people from different parts of the world.
Speaking during his Angelus address in St Peter’s Square on Sunday, 1 November, the Pope greeted athletes participating in the Games, which are being held in Dakar from 31 October to 13 November. The event brings together young athletes aged between 15 and 18 and is the first Olympic event to take place on the African continent.
Pope Leo noted that the programme goes beyond sporting competitions by including educational and cultural activities designed to promote Olympic values and encourage understanding among young people from different countries. He offered his greetings and blessing to all participants.
The Pope also recalled the beatification of five Franciscan missionaries, known as the Georgia Martyrs, which took place in Savannah, Georgia, in the United States, on Saturday, 31 October.
Pedro de Corpa and four companions, members of the Order of Friars Minor, were killed in 1597 because of their faith. Originally from Spain, they had travelled to the Americas to spread the Gospel.
Pope Leo praised their dedication to their missionary calling and prayed for their intercession on behalf of all those who continue to proclaim the Gospel.
Turning to the needs of vulnerable people, the Pope welcomed the World Week of the Poor, organised by the Friars Minor in Rome from 8 to 15 November. He praised the Franciscan community for placing people living in poverty at the centre of the initiative, following the example of Jesus Christ and Saint Francis of Assisi.
He also expressed gratitude to the civil authorities and law enforcement agencies for their cooperation in organising the event.
Concluding his remarks, Pope Leo recalled the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed and invited Catholics to remember those who have died, particularly people who are often forgotten.
He said he would celebrate Mass at Rome’s Verano Cemetery on Monday afternoon, 2 November, and encouraged the faithful to remain united in the communion of saints through prayer for the departed.