Senegalese Catholic pilgrims depart for European mission of peace

The Senegalese Catholic community has officially launched its 2026 pilgrimage, sending 350 faithful on a mission focused on justice and peace. During the sending mass at Saint-Pierre des Baobabs, Monseigneur Augustin Diagne called on the pilgrims to become messengers of peace amidst global conflicts and urged national leaders to promote national concord and justice within Senegal.

Due to security concerns, the traditional Israeli stage of the journey has been removed from the itinerary. Instead, the pilgrims will visit major Christian holy sites across Europe, including Rome and Assisi in Italy, Lourdes in France, Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle in Spain, and Fatima in Portugal.

The departure ceremony at Blaise Diagne International Airport included the presentation of the Senegalese flag by Minister of Land and Air Transport Abdoul Ahad Ndiaye, who highlighted the country’s tradition of peaceful coexistence between religious communities. The mission is supported by various transport, security, and health services to ensure the group's safe passage.