In a video message published on October 7, 2026, Pope Leo XIV called on everyone to support the Pontifical Mission Societies and those who seek to bring Christ especially to the poorest and most needy. The message was published ahead of the 100th World Mission Day, also known as Mission Sunday, which this year is celebrated on Sunday, October 18.
Ahead of his upcoming apostolic journey to Peru, the Holy Father recalled his missionary experience in that country. In his own reflection, the experience left a deep mark on him, both in affirming his religious vocation and through the support he received there. On the occasion of the centenary, he expressed his gratitude.
Memories of the mission in Peru
World Mission Day was established by Pope Pius XI to promote a deeper understanding of the scope of the missionary task and fervent prayer for evangelization at every level of the Church. From the very beginning, the observance of this day has helped the work of the Pontifical Mission Societies, whose support Leo XIV has once again called for.
The Pope testified to the role of prayer in his own vocation: “Looking back on my youth, I can see how the prayers addressed to the Lord of the harvest mysteriously helped prepare my heart to hear Jesus’ call and to follow him as an Augustinian missionary.”
He went on to highlight the support of the faithful for his missionary work: “Moreover, the prayers and donations of the faithful encouraged and supported my missionary work in Peru, as well as that of many other missionaries around the world.”
One in Christ, united in mission
This year’s theme for World Mission Day is “One in Christ, united in mission.” In the message, it is linked to the Pope’s episcopal motto and to baptism, which, as the message points out, makes us members of the one Body of Christ from which love flows. The Pope emphasized that this spurs the faithful to contribute to the Church’s great mission of evangelization.
In his message for the 100th World Mission Day, the Holy Father had already urged people to provide generous, concrete assistance so that the Gospel could be brought to the poorest and most needy. He expressed his call to work together in these words: “The Lord calls us to collaborate as one family, with the help of the Holy Spirit, so that every person, wherever they may be, can be brought into the communion of faith in Christ.”
