Pope for Mission Sunday: Evangelisation is always a work of love

By Vatican News

Pope Leo has sent a videomessage marking the 100th World Missionary Sunday, marked on the 18th of October 2026. In his video, the reflects on the theme “One in Christ, United in Mission” and expresses his gratitude to all those who have supported the annual celebration over the past century

He begins by giving thanks to God for the “abundant fruits” bestowed upon the Church since Pope Pius XI established World Mission Sunday 100 years ago.

His predecessor, the Pope recalls, sought to deepen awareness of the missionary task in every diocese and parish, encourage prayer for evangelisation and missionary vocations, and support the work of the Pontifical Mission Societies.

Pope Leo then reflects on how these efforts helped shape his own vocation.

"Looking back on my youth, I can see how the prayers offered to the Lord of the harvest mysteriously helped prepare my heart to hear Jesus’ call to follow him as an Augustinian missionary", he says. The prayers and contributions of the faithful, he adds, sustained both his missionary work in Peru and that of countless other missionaries throughout the world. "For this reason, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported World Mission Sunday over the years", he adds.

One family in Christ

Turning to this year’s theme, Pope Leo stresses the importance of nurturing the Church’s unity in following Christ, particularly through a shared commitment to spreading the Gospel message of salvation.

Through Baptism, he explains, each person becomes a member of the Body of Christ and has “a unique role in contributing to Jesus’ saving work”.

“Our Lord calls us to cooperate as one family, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to bring everyone everywhere into a communion of faith in Christ.”

A mission of love

The Pope renews the appeal he made in his message for the centenary, dated 25 January 2026, inviting everyone to contribute according to their vocation and the gifts they have received.

“Let us all commit to contributing to the great mission of evangelization — which is always a work of love,” he urges.

Prayer and practical support, he adds, help bring “the Gospel of God’s love to everyone, especially the poorest and those most in need”.

Concluding his video message, Pope Leo thanks the faithful for all they will do to carry forward the legacy of World Mission Sunday and generously support the Church’s evangelising mission throughout the world.