This paper aims to analyse the universality of blackness and Catholicism in Senghor’s poetic book Black Hosts. Firstly, we observe seminary formation of the poet-president as well as French Catholic writers infl uence on his poetry (Chardin, Claudel, Péguy). Secondly, we study the genesis of Black Hosts, its historical context and poet’s favourite subjects as charity, fraternity, friendship or forgiveness. In addition, we will also examine how Senghor paints the evil of war by using Christian mythology symbols. Moreover, Senegalese poet depicts the experience of black soldiers used as cannon fodder during World War II. Although the founder of the Francophonie never questions what he owes to France, he fi ercely denounces the colonialist Europe. However, Senghor is imbued with Catholic faith that refuses hatred and eventually forgives as Jesus Christ on the cross. To put it differently, roots of his universalism are fundamentally Christian as evidenced by his poem Prayer for peace. Yet, despite the evocation of death, humiliation, suffering and pain, Senghor’s message of love does not change. Finally, Black Hosts ends with universal brotherhood idea and a promise of a new world, redeemed by African soldiers sacrifi ce, offered to humanity as spiritual and fraternal food.

This paper aims to analyse the universality of blackness and Catholicism in Senghor’s poetic book Black Hosts. Firstly, we observe seminary formation of the poet-president as well as French Catholic writers infl uence on his poetry (Chardin, Claudel, Péguy). Secondly, we study the genesis of Black Hosts, its historical context and poet’s favourite subjects as charity, fraternity, friendship or forgiveness. In addition, we will also examine how Senghor paints the evil of war by using Christian mythology symbols. Moreover, Senegalese poet depicts the experience of black soldiers used as cannon fodder during World War II. Although the founder of the Francophonie never questions what he owes to France, he fi ercely denounces the colonialist Europe. However, Senghor is imbued with Catholic faith that refuses hatred and eventually forgives as Jesus Christ on the cross. To put it differently, roots of his universalism are fundamentally Christian as evidenced by his poem Prayer for peace. Yet, despite the evocation of death, humiliation, suffering and pain, Senghor’s message of love does not change. Finally, Black Hosts ends with universal brotherhood idea and a promise of a new world, redeemed by African soldiers sacrifi ce, offered to humanity as spiritual and fraternal food.