Pope Leo XIV releases video message for 100th World Mission Sunday

Pope Leo XIV released a video message to mark the 100th World Mission Sunday, which takes place on the weekend of October 17-18. In the video, the Pope reflects on his childhood in the United States and his previous years of missionary service in Peru. He is the first pope to release a video specifically for this celebration.

The theme for this centennial is "One in Christ, united in mission." Pope Leo XIV called for prayer for evangelization, encouragement for missionary vocations, and support for the Pontifical Mission Societies.

World Mission Sunday serves as an opportunity for the universal Church to pray for global missions and participate in a second collection. These funds support missionary dioceses and the construction of churches, seminaries, convents, and pastoral centers. The Pontifical Mission Societies reports that it funds an average of over 900 infrastructure projects each year.