Dakar Welcomes the Youth Olympic Games in Historic African Milestone
The Youth Olympic Games officially opened in Dakar, Senegal, marking the first Olympic event to be hosted on the African continent, Vatican News reported. Running from 31 October to 13 November, the competition brings together athletes aged 15 to 18 for both sporting events and educational programs.
During his Angelus address in St Peterβs Square, Pope Leo XIV pointed to the tournament as an important cultural meeting point. The schedule pairs athletic matchups with workshops designed to foster mutual respect and global understanding among teenage competitors from around the world.
Pope Leo XIV Highlights Dakar Fixtures and Vatican Observances
Speaking to the faithful on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV noted that the Dakar fixtures represent a broader sign of hope rising from the athletic sphere. Beyond the Senegal competition, the Vatican schedule highlighted several international observances for early November.
The itinerary includes the recent beatification of the Georgia Martyrs on Saturday, 31 October, in Savannah, Georgia, where Cardinal Frank Leo presided as papal legate over the recognition of Pedro de Corpa and four companions from the Order of Friars Minor. Pope Leo also drew attention to the upcoming World Week of the Poor, promoted by the Friars Minor from 8 to 15 November in Rome, alongside preparations for a Mass on Monday afternoon, 2 November, at Romeβs Verano Cemetery for the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed.
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