Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has invited Catholics around the world to take an active part in this year’s World Mission Sunday, encouraging prayer, sacrifice and support for missionary communities that continue to spread the Gospel in regions where the Church is still growing.
Speaking on Monday to participants in the General Assembly of the Pontifical Mission Societies at the Vatican, Pope reflected on the long history of the missionary organizations and their contribution to the Church’s evangelizing mission across the world. He noted that 2026 marks the centenary of World Mission Sunday, which was established by Pope Pius XI in response to a request from the Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith.
Pope explained that for one hundred years the special day has been dedicated to prayer, reflection and practical support for missionary work, particularly in places where the Gospel is only beginning to take root and where local Church communities are still developing. He stressed that World Mission Sunday is also an important reminder for Catholics in established Christian communities to remain connected to the missionary calling of the universal Church.
Pope Leo highlighted the significant impact of donations collected during World Mission Sunday. He said the funds help support more than 1,130 ecclesiastical territories that depend on the Dicastery for Evangelization. These resources assist local Churches in building essential structures, supporting pastoral programs and carrying out various missionary initiatives.
The contributions also help sustain several colleges in Rome where priests, religious men and women from mission territories receive advanced formation. After completing their studies, many return to their home countries and become important leaders and educators within their local Churches. According to the Pope, these and many other missionary efforts are made possible through the generosity of the faithful around the world.
Reflecting on this year’s theme, “One in Christ, united in mission,” Pope Leo said it captures both the unity of believers and the missionary nature of the Church. He explained that the theme invites Catholics to deepen their communion with Christ and strengthen their commitment to sharing God’s love with others. The Pope encouraged those involved in missionary work to promote a spirituality rooted in unity, communion and service.
During his address, Pope Leo also spoke about the upcoming beatification of Venerable Fulton J. Sheen, the former national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States, scheduled to take place on September 24 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Pope described Archbishop Sheen as a shining example of faith, hope and charity whose use of radio and television brought the message of the Gospel to millions of people. He personally recalled being influenced by Sheen’s evangelizing work while growing up.
The Holy Father praised Sheen’s efforts in promoting missionary awareness and supporting churches in mission territories through both spiritual encouragement and material assistance. He expressed hope that the future Blessed would continue to inspire national and diocesan directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies worldwide.
Turning to the challenges facing the modern world, Pope Leo observed that many nations and communities continue to suffer from division, conflict and violence. In this context, he said the Pontifical Mission Societies play a valuable role in proclaiming Christ as the Prince of Peace and bringing hope to people in difficult circumstances. He particularly praised the Pontifical Mission Society of the Holy Childhood for supporting children affected by war and violence, and the Pontifical Mission Society of Saint Peter the Apostle for helping to form local clergy and religious in mission territories.
Concluding his remarks, Pope Leo entrusted the work of the Pontifical Mission Societies and all those engaged in missionary service to the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Missions, asking her intercession for the continued growth of the Church’s missionary mission throughout the world.