Pope offers encouragement to Youth Olympic Games, Franciscan mission to the poor

November 02, 2026

At the conclusion of his All Saints’ Day Angelus address, Pope Leo XIV offered his encouragement to the Youth Olympic Games and to a Franciscan mission among the poor of Rome.

“From yesterday until November 13, the Youth Olympic Games are taking place in Dakar, the capital of Senegal, for athletes aged 15 to 18,” Pope Leo said to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square. “This is the first Olympic event to be held on the African continent. In addition to the competitions, these Games include educational and cultural gatherings aimed at promoting Olympic values and fostering understanding among young people from all over the world.”

The Pope added, “Once again, we see a sign of hope coming from the world of sport! I warmly greet and bless all the participants.”

Pope Leo continued:

From November 8 to 15, the Mission with the Poor, promoted by the Friars Minor, will take place in Rome. I congratulate the sons of Saint Francis who, through this initiative, are placing the poor at the center, as the Lord Jesus did and as Saint Francis of Assisi did. I also thank the civil authorities and law enforcement agencies for their cooperation.

 

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Further information:

• Angelus (Dicastery for Communication - Vatican Media, 11/1/26)
• Pope: Youth Olympic Games a sign of hope emerging from world of sport (Vatican News, 11/1/26)