Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

As we mark World Mission Sunday, we give thanks to God for the abundant fruits he has bestowed upon the Church since my predecessor, Pope Pius XI, established this annual celebration 100 years ago.  He desired that it would foster, in every Diocese and parish, a deeper understanding of the greatness of the missionary task, fervent prayer for the work of evangelization, encouragement for the missionary vocation, and support for the work of the Pontifical Mission Societies.

Indeed, the realization of Pius XI’s aim has borne fruit in my own life.  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.  Moreover, the prayers and contributions of the faithful encouraged and sustained my missionary work in Peru, as well as that of countless others 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.

In this centenary year, the present theme, “One in Christ, United in Mission,” invites us to reflect on the fundamental task of nurturing the Church’s unity in following Christ, particularly in our commitment and responsibility to spread the Gospel message of salvation to all people.

Indeed, through Baptism, each one of us 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.

I reiterate, therefore, the special appeal I made in the Message for World Mission Sunday: “Let us all commit to contributing to the great mission of evangelization — which is always a work of love — according to our own vocation and the gifts we have received. Your prayers and practical support… will be a great help in bringing the Gospel of God’s love to everyone, especially the poorest and those most in need.” (Message for the 100^th World Mission Day, 25 January 2026).

Finally, as we celebrate this centenary, I thank you for all that you will do to carry on the legacy of World Mission Sunday and to support generously the evangelizing mission of the Church throughout the world.

May the blessing of Almighty God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit come down on you and remain with you for ever.  Amen.