Pilgrims of Justice and Peace gathered at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican August 23, 2026

The 350 Senegalese pilgrims have arrived in Rome. After an opening mass presided over by Monsignor Paul Abel Mamba, Bishop of Tamba, the faithful went to the mythical St. Peter’s Square in Rome before visiting St. Peter’s Basilica.

In faith and meditation, the Senegalese pilgrims visited Saint Peter’s Basilica and the tombs of the popes. During this guided tour, the tomb of Saint Peter, first Pope of the Catholic Church, was stormed by pilgrims of justice and peace as well as thousands of other faithful from different corners of the globe.

The Senegalese pilgrims took advantage of the visit to pray for their families and the country. This day at Saint Peter’s Basilica closed with a Mass presided over by Monsignor Augustin Simel Ndiaye, Bishop of Saint-Louis and president of the National Interdiocesan Committee for Catholic Pilgrimages (Cinpec).

Abbot Paul Louis Edouard Sarr, in his homily, reminded the pilgrims of justice and peace of their mission to share the good news in their families, their religious communities because according to him, pilgrims must be shepherds like Jesus, who, to save the world gave his life.

Marie Bernadette SENE (special correspondent)