Pope Leo welcomes National Directors of Catholic Mission to Rome

11 Jun 2026

By The Record

With 2026 marking the 100-year anniversary of World Mission Sunday, Pope Leo XIV has welcomed the National Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (Catholic Mission) to Rome for the General Assembly.

Pope Leo XIV waves after meeting with participants in the general assembly of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Clementine Hall at the Vatican on 1 June 2026. During the meeting, Pope Leo praised Venerable Fulton J. Sheen as "a light of faith, hope, and love" whose radio and television broadcasts brought the Gospel to millions of Americans - including the pope himself as a child. Photo: OSV News/Simone Risoluti, Vatican Media.
Pope Leo XIV waves after meeting with participants in the general assembly of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Clementine Hall at the Vatican on 1 June 2026. During the meeting, Pope Leo praised Venerable Fulton J. Sheen as “a light of faith, hope, and love” whose radio and television broadcasts brought the Gospel to millions of Americans – including the pope himself as a child. Photo: OSV News/Simone Risoluti, Vatican Media.

The annual gathering enables representatives to discuss upcoming priorities for the year ahead, align missionary efforts worldwide, and reflect on their role in creating a brighter future for the many they serve.

“On World Mission Sunday, every Catholic community is invited to pray and offer spiritual and material sacrifices for the missionary efforts in areas of first evangelisation and the support of young Churches,” Pope Leo reminded the assembly in his welcoming address.

The Holy Father then recalled that this year’s World Mission Sunday theme – One in Christ, united in mission – highlights the unity of believers in its 100th year.

This theme, he stated, “invites all of the members of the Church to a deeper communion in Christ and to a fuller unity in his divine mission of love” and “reflects the profound desire of the Lord expressed in his prayer to the Father before his Passion.”

Noting that the aspects expressed in this year’s theme “call for a missionary renewal in the Church in the years ahead,” Pope Leo encouraged those gathered to “keep this teaching in mind, to live an authentic spirituality of missionary unity and communion centred on Christ, and to promote it through your activities among the faithful.”

The gathering was one of Pope Leo’s first major addresses to the worldwide leadership of the Pontifical Mission Societies since the beginning of his pontificate.

The National Director of Catholic Mission in Australia, Peter Gates, joined fellow leaders from around the world to discuss the future direction of missionary outreach and the role Australian Catholics can play in supporting communities in need through prayer, formation and financial support.

National Director of Catholic Mission in Australia, Peter Gates, meets Pope Leo. Photo: Catholic Mission Australia.

“Meeting His Holiness for the first time and listening to his reflection on the centenary of World Mission Sunday was a great privilege,” Peter said.

“Pope Leo witnesses a deep understanding of mission, shaped by his experience of walking alongside people and sharing the daily realities of their lives. His words reminded us that mission is rooted in communion, accompaniment and hope, and that together we are called to share the love of Christ with everyone.”

Pope Leo concluded by entrusting all those before him, and all who share in the “vital missionary work” to the maternal intercession of the Mother of God, Mary, Queen of Missions, and that of all the missionary saints.

As entrusted by the Holy Father to support the work of mission globally and locally, Catholic Mission will continue to share resources and opportunities for Australian Catholics, parishes, schools and communities to participate in this year’s World Mission Sunday celebrations in October.