Pope Leo XIV has set “One in Christ, United in Mission” as the theme for World Mission Day 2026, marking the 100th anniversary of the annual celebration established by Pope Pius XI. Source: EWTN News.
In his message, released on Monday on the feast of the Conversion of St Paul, the Pope writes that the Church’s missionary renewal depends first on spiritual communion and reconciliation within Christian communities.
“The mystery of union with Christ lies at the heart of mission,” Leo writes, warning that “conflicts, polarisation, misunderstandings, and a lack of mutual trust” can erode the Church’s witness when they take root “even within our communities.”
World Mission Day will be observed on October 18.
Reflecting on the call to evangelise after the Jubilee year, the Pope writes that the missionary path “requires hearts united in Christ, reconciled communities and, in everyone, a willingness to cooperate with generosity and trust.”
Leo also links the theme to ecumenical efforts, encouraging Catholics to deepen engagement with other Christians “building upon the opportunities arising from the joint celebration of the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea”.
He stresses that the Christian life is not reducible to an ethical code or a set of ideas.
“Being a Christian is not primarily about practices or ideas; it is a life in union with Christ,” he writes, adding that this communion “is the source of all missionary fruitfulness.”
The Pope emphasises that unity is ordered toward proclamation of the Gospel.
“The unity of disciples is not an end in itself; it is directed towards mission,” Leo writes. “It is through the witness of a reconciled, fraternal, and united community that the proclamation of the Gospel acquires its full communicative power.”
He recalls the motto of Blessed Paolo Manna — “All the Churches United for the Conversion of the Whole World” — and notes the 110th anniversary of the Pontifical Missionary Union, founded in 1916. “No baptised person is exempt from or indifferent to mission,” he writes.
Leo offers specific thanks to the Pontifical Mission Societies, writing that their work supporting missionary cooperation is something “I experienced with gratitude during my ministry in Peru.”
FULL STORY
Pope Leo XIV: ‘One in Christ’ is key to the Church’s mission (By Angela Ambrogetti, EWTN News)
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