WATCH: Pope Leo XIV Marks 100 Years of World Mission Sunday
In a new video for the centennial, Pope Leo reflects on his personal connection to World Mission Sunday, from his childhood in the United States to his years of missionary service in Peru.
Ahead of the 100th World Mission Sunday on the weekend of October 17-18, Pope Leo XIV released a personal video message reflecting on the extraordinary day.
100 years ago, when World Mission Sunday began, there were about 9.6 million Catholics living in 296 mission jurisdictions. Today, that number has grown to more than 346 million Catholics living in 1,131 mission territories.
These individuals are served through more than 41,000 parishes, 124,309 Catholic schools and 26, 318 social institutions.
When he was a child, Pope Leo XIV celebrated World Mission Sunday in the United States. Later, when he was a priest and bishop in Peru, he was the recipient of the generous prayers and support of Catholics around the world.
Now, as pope, he celebrates the centennial of the mission-supporting international collection and expresses gratitude for the Church's loving support of our brothers and sisters worldwide.
To support World Mission Sunday, Catholics across Northern Colorado may donate to their parish with "World Mission Sunday" in the memo line of their donation. For more information, visit the Pontifical Mission Societies' website here.
