Dear brothers and sisters,
Yesterday, in Savannah, Georgia, in the United States of America, Pedro de Corpa and four companions, religious of the Order of Friars Minor, who were killed in odium fidei in 1597, were beatified. Originally from Spain, they responded generously to the Lord’s call to evangelise the peoples of the Americas, even to the point of giving their lives. Let us invoke the intercession of these martyrs for all missionaries of the Gospel.
In recent days, a humanitarian operation has been carried out to assist the civilian population in the city of Oleshky. I hope that the cooperation between the parties, which made this necessary humanitarian act possible, will strengthen the desire for dialogue and lead to new concrete peace initiatives. Let us entrust to Mary, Queen of Peace and of All Saints, all those throughout the world who are suffering because of war.
From yesterday until November 13, the Youth Olympic Games are taking place in Dakar, the capital of Senegal, for athletes aged 15 to 18. 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. Once again, we see a sign of hope coming from the world of sport! I warmly greet and bless all the participants.
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 centre, 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.
And now I greet all of you, Romans and pilgrims from various countries!
I am pleased to welcome the Syro-Malabar faithful together with their Pastors. Dear friends, together with you I give thanks to the Lord for the growth of your communities throughout Europe.
I greet the “Capiteo” group from Borbiago di Mira, in the Province of Venice, as well as the participants in the “Race of the Saints,” which the Don Bosco Missions have once again organised in Rome this year to promote sport as an educational experience.
Tomorrow afternoon, on the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, I will celebrate Mass at the Verano Cemetery. During these days, let us feel united in the Communion of Saints with the immense family of our brothers and sisters who have gone before us on our earthly pilgrimage, and let us pray for the departed, especially those whom no one remembers.
Thank you all, and have a happy feast day!
- Pope: Let us Feel United in the Communion of Saints - November 2, 2026
- Pope: Holiness is not a privilege reserved for a few - November 2, 2026
- Mass Readings: 1 November – 8 November, 2026 - October 27, 2026
