"Together, we must look for ways to be a missionary Church, a Church that builds bridges and encourages dialogue, a Church ever open to welcoming, like this Square with its open arms, all those who are in need of our charity, our presence, our readiness to dialogue and our love."
Pope Leo XIV
Jesus' final command before ascending into heaven was clear: "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations" (Mt 28:19). This is the heart of the mission ad gentes—a call to go beyond the familiar, to bring the light of Christ to those who do not yet know Him.
For thousands of men and women—priests, religious, and lay missionaries—this means leaving behind their homes, families, and cultures to serve in far-off lands where the Gospel is unknown or has only recently been received. These missionaries respond to the most urgent needs of the Church, sowing the first seeds of faith where Christ has not yet been proclaimed or where the Church is still young.
Since the time of the Apostles, the Church has always been missionary by nature (Ad Gentes, 2). Missionaries do not go on their own initiative, but are sent—by Christ, through the Church—to bring the Good News to those still waiting for the Gospel's transforming power. Many of them go to places of "first evangelization," meaning territories where Christ is still unknown for most, and where the Church has no local (native) vocations for the priesthood or religious life.
Will you join us?
Pope Francis reminds us that mission is not an optional task but the very identity of the Church:
"Every Christian is called to take part in this universal mission by offering his or her own witness to the Gospel in every context, so that the whole Church can continually go forth with her Lord and Master to the 'crossroads' of today's world." (World Mission Day 2024)
While some are called to the mission ad gentes, we are all called to be missionaries in our daily lives—in our homes, workplaces, and communities. The Great Commission does not belong only to priests and religious but to every baptized person.
Prayer sustains missionaries in the field and opens hearts to receive the Gospel.
Through the Pontifical Mission Societies, you can directly support the Church in mission territories.
Some are called to serve as missionaries abroad. Others are called to evangelize at home through everyday encounters, sharing the love and truth of Christ.
The Church depends on missionary priests, sisters, and lay catechists to continue Christ's work. Your support makes their mission possible.
With the joy and loving concern of Our Mother, with the strength born of tenderness and affection (Evangelii Gaudium, 288), let us go forth to bring everyone to the invitation of the Christ, our Savior.
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