During a special audience at the Vatican on June 1, 2026, Pope Leo XIV welcomed participants of the General Assembly of the Pontifical Mission Societies and urged them to continue building a truly missionary Church—one that brings hope, compassion, and healing to a world marked by conflict, division, poverty, and spiritual loneliness. The Holy Father emphasized that every baptized Christian is called to share in the Church’s mission of proclaiming the Gospel and serving those most in need.

Reflecting on the importance of missionary work, Pope Leo noted that 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of World Mission Sunday, a global initiative dedicated to prayer, reflection, and support for the Church’s missionary efforts around the world. He praised the Pontifical Mission Societies for helping young Churches grow, supporting missionary communities, educating future priests and religious leaders, and bringing the message of Christ to places where the Gospel is still being introduced.

The Pope reminded those present that the Church’s mission is not merely an institutional task but a call to bring Christ’s love into every corner of society. He encouraged Catholics everywhere to embrace the spirit of unity reflected in this year’s World Mission Sunday theme, “One in Christ, United in Mission.” According to Pope Leo, authentic missionary discipleship begins with a deep relationship with Christ and extends outward through service, charity, and evangelization.

 One of the most moving moments of the audience came when Pope Leo XIV reflected on the life and legacy of Fulton J. Sheen, the longtime National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States, who is scheduled to be beatified this September in St. Louis. The Pope described Archbishop Sheen as “a light of faith, hope, and love” whose radio and television ministry brought the Gospel into millions of homes across America.

In a personal and heartfelt reflection, Pope Leo revealed that he himself was influenced by Sheen’s evangelization efforts while growing up. He praised Sheen’s extraordinary ability to communicate the Christian message through modern media and highlighted the immense spiritual and material support that his missionary initiatives provided to Churches in developing regions.

 Concluding his address, Pope Leo XIV called on the faithful to become “missionaries of hope” in today’s world. He encouraged Catholics to look beyond their own communities and recognize their responsibility toward the universal Church. Through prayer, generosity, and active witness, he said, every believer can help build a future rooted in faith, solidarity, and lasting peace.

“May we be one in Christ and united in mission, bringing the light of the Gospel to a world that longs for hope.” — Pope Leo XIV