“One in Christ, United in Mission”.

For a century, the annual observance has invited Catholics worldwide to unite in prayer, sacrifice and generosity for the Church’s mission in territories where the Gospel is still being proclaimed for the first time and where local Churches are young. “On this day, every Catholic community is invited to pray and offer spiritual and material sacrifices for the missionary efforts in areas of first evangelisation and the support of young churches,” said Pope Leo.  The spiritual and financial support we offer plays an enormous part in giving missionaries courage, so that they can keep loving, serving and sharing God’s love, mercy and peace.

Being “one in Christ” calls us to keep our gaze fixed on the Lord, so that he may truly be at the center of our lives and communities, the center of every word, action and interpersonal relationship, leading us to say with amazement: “It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me” (Gal 2:20). By constantly listening to his word and through the grace of the Sacraments, it will be possible for us to become living stones in the Church.   

Pope Leo XIV Message for the 100th World Mission Day 2026