In a message that blended historical reflection with a forward-looking call to evangelization, Pope Leo XIV on Monday praised the enduring missionary influence of Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, describing the American preacher as “a light of faith, hope, and love” as his beatification date approaches in St. Louis.
Speaking during an audience on June 1 with participants of the general assembly of the Pontifical Mission Societies, the pope placed Sheen’s legacy within the broader story of global Catholic missionary work and the Church’s ongoing outreach efforts.
Vatican Assembly Reflects on Century of Mission Sunday
The gathering also served as a platform to mark the 100th anniversary of World Mission Sunday, established by Pope Pius XI.
The annual observance, held on the penultimate Sunday of October, is dedicated to prayer, reflection, and financial support for missionary activity across the world.
The pope emphasized that the commemoration continues to play a central role in strengthening evangelization efforts, particularly in regions where the Church is still developing or newly established.
He thanked those who sustain the initiative and stressed its importance for global Catholic unity in mission.
Global Support for Young Churches and Mission Territories
According to the pope, funds collected during World Mission Sunday are distributed through the Pontifical Society of the Propagation of the Faith to support more than 1,130 ecclesiastical jurisdictions under the Dicastery for Evangelization.
These resources help build church infrastructure, fund missionary programs, and support formation houses in Rome where priests and religious leaders from mission territories are trained before returning to serve in their home countries.
The pope also underscored that established dioceses are called to participate actively in supporting younger Churches through both prayer and material assistance.
Missionary Identity and Institutional Milestones
The address also highlighted the 110th anniversary of the Pontifical Missionary Union, founded by Blessed Paolo Manna and later elevated to pontifical status by Pope Pius XII.
The organization has been described as the “soul” of the Church’s missionary societies due to its focus on cultivating missionary awareness among all baptized Catholics.
The pope urged renewed commitment to fostering missionary spirituality, calling it essential for the Church’s work in what he described as a “new missionary age” requiring deeper engagement from all believers.
Fulton Sheen’s Media Evangelization Remembered
Turning again to Sheen, Fulton J. Sheen, the pope noted that his beatification will take place on Sept. 24 in St. Louis, Missouri, where he once served as national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States.
He recalled Sheen’s pioneering use of radio and television to spread the Gospel message, saying his broadcasts reached millions and inspired both spiritual renewal and material support for missionary territories.
The pope added that he personally witnessed Sheen’s influence during his upbringing.
Call for Unity in a Divided World
The pontiff also used the occasion to reflect on the global challenges facing the Church, pointing to division, conflict, and war as defining features of the modern world.
He highlighted the role of missionary organizations such as the Pontifical Society of the Holy Childhood, which supports children in vulnerable regions, and the Society of St. Peter the Apostle, which aids the formation of local clergy in mission areas.
This year’s World Mission Sunday theme, “One in Christ, United in Mission,” was presented as a call for deeper communion among Catholics worldwide, rooted in shared participation in Christ’s mission of love.
Vatican Vision for Ongoing Evangelization
Concluding his remarks, the pope cited the Second Vatican Council’s document Ad Gentes, reaffirming that the Church is missionary by nature.
He called for what he described as ongoing “missionary conversion,” urging Catholics to place Christ at the center of all evangelization efforts.
Quoting the Gospel message attributed to St. John the Baptist, he added that the Church’s mission must remain focused on humility and divine purpose: “He must increase, but I must decrease.”f
