World Mission Sunday 2026

Smiling Catholic students in school uniforms and green neckerchiefs gathered in a church
1926 A century of mission
About World Mission Sunday

One Church, one mission, for 100 years

In 1926, Pope Pius XI established World Mission Sunday so that every Catholic parish could share in the Church's missionary work. The first collection was taken in October 1927, and each year since, the faithful around the world have come together on the second-to-last Sunday of October to pray for and support the missions.

Your gifts are shared through the Pontifical Mission Societies with young and growing churches that can't yet support themselves, where the Gospel is often proclaimed in the hardest places.

World Mission Sunday · October 18, 2026

Pope Leo XIV's Message for the 100th World Mission Sunday

For a century, Catholics around the world have joined in prayer and support for the Church's missionary work. Hear the Holy Father's message for this historic anniversary.

Pope Leo XIV delivering his message for World Mission Sunday
Parish & Family Resources

World Mission Sunday Resources

Free materials from the Pontifical Mission Societies to help your parish, school, or family celebrate the 100th World Mission Sunday on October 18.

  • Pope Leo's Message

    The Holy Father's message for World Mission Sunday 2026, ready to print or share.

  • Prayer Card

    A World Mission Sunday prayer card to hand out after Mass or use at home.

  • Fulton Sheen Poster

    A print-ready poster for church entrances, bulletin boards, and classrooms.

  • Collection Envelope

    The official WMS 2026 envelope for your parish's second collection.