Pope Leo XIV Announces Theme for World Mission Sunday 2026: “One in Christ, United in Mission”
The Vatican has revealed that the theme chosen by Pope Leo XIV for World Mission Sunday 2026 will be “One in Christ, united in mission.” The announcement marks the beginning of preparations for a historic celebration, as the coming year will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the institution of World Mission Sunday, first established by Pope Pius XI in 1926 at the suggestion of the Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith.
The annual day, observed on the penultimate Sunday of October, will fall on 18 October in 2026. It serves as a moment of global unity for Catholics, bringing together parishes and dioceses around the world in prayer, reflection, and support for missionary work. The newly announced theme reflects Pope Leo XIV’s deep desire to strengthen the Church’s sense of shared purpose and to emphasize that every believer, through baptism, participates in Christ’s mission to bring the Gospel to all peoples.
In his appeal this year supporting World Mission Sunday, the Pope described the day as a sacred occasion for the faithful to join in solidarity with missionaries who dedicate their lives to spreading the Good News. Drawing on his own experience as a priest and missionary bishop in Peru, he reflected on the power of prayer and generosity to renew entire communities. “I saw first-hand how the faith and commitment expressed on World Mission Sunday can transform hearts and build bridges of hope,” he said.
The chosen theme also echoes the motto of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate, “In Illo uno unum,” “In the One Christ we are one.” This expression underscores the unity of the Church, rooted in the communion between Christ and the Father, and extended through the shared mission of evangelization. The Pope hopes that the centenary celebration will inspire renewed missionary responsibility, especially at a time when global divisions and indifference threaten the spirit of Christian fraternity.
Preparations for World Mission Sunday 2026 will continue into the early months of the year with the publication of the Holy Father’s official message, which will serve as a spiritual guide for local Churches and missionary organizations. The year will also mark another important milestone, the 110th anniversary of the Pontifical Missionary Union, described by Saint Paul VI as “the soul of the Pontifical Mission Societies.” Together with the Societies for the Propagation of the Faith, the Holy Childhood, and Saint Peter the Apostle, it continues to inspire missionary zeal and cooperation throughout the Catholic world.
Thank you for reading our article.
