“"One in Christ, united in mission"”

1st Missionary Day

Dear brothers and sisters!

For World Mission Day 2026, which marks the centenary of this celebration, instituted by Pius XI and so cherished by the Church, I have chosen the theme "One in Christ, united in mission." Following the Jubilee Year, I wish to exhort the entire Church to continue the missionary journey with joy and zeal in the Holy Spirit, which requires hearts united in Christ, reconciled communities, and, in everyone, a willingness to collaborate with generosity and trust.

Reflecting on our being one in Christ and united in mission, let us allow ourselves to be guided and inspired by divine grace, to "renew in ourselves the fire of missionary vocation" and move forward together in the commitment to evangelization, in a "new missionary era" in the history of the Church.

Therefore, the Church's primary missionary responsibility is to renew and maintain the spiritual and fraternal unity among its members. In many situations, we witness conflicts, polarizations, misunderstandings, and mutual distrust. When this happens in our communities as well, their witness weakens. The evangelizing mission that Christ entrusted to his disciples requires, first and foremost, reconciled hearts that desire communion.

(Pope Leo XIV, message for the year 2026)