Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games: Pope Leo XIV sends a message to young athletes

After the Angelus prayer on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV greeted and blessed more than 2,600 athletes gathered in Dakar for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, the first edition held in Africa. Aged 15 to 18, they represent 204 national Olympic committees, including the Refugee Olympic Team, and are competing from October 31 to November 13. The pope emphasized the educational and cultural activities held alongside the competitions to promote Olympic values and mutual understanding. He described the Games as a sign of hope from the world of sport.