In his message for World Mission Sunday 2025, to be marked on October 19, Pope Francis reminds us that hope is at the heart of the Christian mission, calling every baptized person to be "messengers and builders of hope."
Speaking to Catholics from Vietnam who live in the United States, Pope Francis highlighted their vital contributions to the universal Church through their support of The Pontifical Mission Societies USA.
The numbers reported by Fides do not include the death of Father Tobias Chukwujekwu Okonkwo, who was shot dead by unidentified assailants, at lhiala, along Onitsha-Owerri Expressway, Nigeria, hours after Pope Francis honored the first Christian martyr on Boxing Day.
“Sadly, even today, many men and women are persecuted—sometimes to the point of death—because of the Gospel,” Pope Francis said.
On Christmas Day, Pope Francis thanked missionaries throughout the world because "they bring light and comfort to so many people in difficulty. To all of them we want to say: Thank you!”
In a letter to the people of Nicaragua, Pope Francis reiterated his affection to them amidst a violent crackdown against the local Catholic community.
Pope Francis canonized several men and women, including Father Giuseppe Allamano, the founder of the Consolata Missionaries who first suggested to the Pope having a day of reflection and giving for the missionary Church in 1925.
Father Giuseppe Allamano, founder of the Consolata Missionaries... And of World Mission Sunday, will be canonized on October 20th by Pope Francis,
In a deeply moving letter published on October 7, 2024, Pope Francis extended his heartfelt support to the Catholics of the Middle East, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their faith despite the violence and despair surrounding them.
From September 2-13, Pope Francis visited Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore. It was the longest trip of his pontificate so far. In addition to strengthening the faith of the local population, his trip helped shine a light on several social issues, while promoting peace and reconciliation.
During his homily in Singapore, Pope Francis said that anything good that exists and endures in this world, it is because “in innumerable situations, love has prevailed over hate, solidarity over indifference, generosity over selfishness.”
Although Catholics make up only 3% of Singapore’s population, their presence is deeply felt across the country, especially in the fields of education and social welfare.
