Pope Leo XIV has called on Catholics worldwide to actively participate in World Mission Sunday through prayer, sacrifice, and support for missionary activities, emphasizing the importance of evangelization and solidarity with young Churches throughout the world.
The Holy Father made the appeal while addressing participants at the General Assembly of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) at the Vatican. He reminded the faithful that World Mission Sunday offers every Catholic community an opportunity to pray and make both spiritual and material contributions in support of missionary efforts, particularly in regions where the Gospel is being proclaimed for the first time and where local Churches are still developing.
Reflecting on the history of the Pontifical Mission Societies, Pope Leo XIV noted their significant contribution to the Church’s missionary work over the past century. He recalled that World Mission Sunday was established by Pope Pius XI in 1926 at the request of the Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith and is observed annually on the penultimate Sunday of October.
“For one hundred years,” the Pope said, “this day has been dedicated to prayer, reflection, and support for the Church’s mission of evangelization, especially in places where the proclamation of the Gospel is only beginning and where the Church remains young.”
He added that World Mission Sunday serves as an important reminder to Catholics in long-established Churches of their responsibility to share in the missionary spirit of the universal Church.
The Holy Father highlighted the impact of funds raised through World Mission Sunday, noting that they support more than 1,130 ecclesiastical jurisdictions under the Dicastery for Evangelization’s Section for First Evangelization and New Particular Churches. These funds assist in the construction of essential infrastructure and support numerous missionary initiatives across the world.
Pope Leo XIV also explained that contributions help sustain five colleges in Rome that provide ongoing formation for priests, religious men, and women from mission territories. Upon completing their studies, these individuals return to their local Churches as valuable resources for evangelization and pastoral ministry.
Expressing gratitude for the generosity of the faithful, the Pope acknowledged that many missionary projects and pastoral initiatives continue to thrive because of their support.
A significant moment in the Pope’s address was his tribute to Venerable Fulton J. Sheen, the renowned former National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States. Pope Leo XIV recalled being inspired by Archbishop Sheen’s radio and television broadcasts during his youth and described him as “a light of faith, hope, and love.”
The Pope announced that Archbishop Sheen will be beatified on September 24 in St. Louis, Missouri. He praised Sheen’s evangelizing efforts, noting that his broadcasts reached millions of people and inspired substantial spiritual and material support for missionary work in areas of first evangelization.
Pope Leo XIV expressed hope that Archbishop Sheen’s life and witness would continue to inspire National and Diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies throughout the world.
Highlighting the Church’s mission in today’s challenging global context, the Holy Father commended the four Pontifical Mission Societies and the Dicastery for Evangelization for their invaluable support of the Church’s mission, particularly in countries affected by war, conflict, and social instability.
He paid special tribute to the Pontifical Society of the Holy Childhood for its efforts in bringing the light of faith and Christian charity to children around the world, especially those living in regions afflicted by violence and hatred.
The Pope also expressed appreciation for the Pontifical Mission Society of St. Peter the Apostle for its commitment to the formation of indigenous clergy and consecrated religious in mission territories.
Concluding his address, Pope Leo XIV entrusted all who support the work of the Pontifical Mission Societies to the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Missions, and invoked the intercession of the missionary saints.
Anita Aryeh
DEPSOCOM Accra
Anita Aryeh DEPSOCOM, Accra.
