On the occasion of the 100th World Mission Day, Bishop Paolo Martinelli, invites the faithful to reflect on the theme chosen by Pope Leo XIV: “One in Christ, united in mission.” 

In a world marked by division and conflict, Bishop Paolo recalls that Christians are called to offer a different witness: to live in unity and become builders of unity in society. “Only united can we truly be missionaries and witnesses of God’s love.”

World Mission Day invites every baptized person to take part in the mission of the Church, overcoming divisions, respecting one another, and walking together.


Dear brothers and sisters,
Today, the Church celebrates the 100th World Mission Day!

Pope Pius XI established this day to awaken in every believer a passion for evangelization and mission. One hundred years later, that call is as important as ever.

Pope Leo XIV has given us a powerful theme for this centenary: “One in Christ, united in mission.”

And we know how much unity is needed today. We live in a world marked by division and conflict, where violence is too often chosen as a way to resolve tensions.

As Christians, we are called to offer a different witness: to be united and to become builders of unity in our societies. 

What does living unity mean for us, when we are so different in language, culture, traditions and rites?

Our unity is, first of all, a gift. Through Baptism, we are incorporated into Christ and together we form one body, animated by the Holy Spirit. Through Baptism, each one of us is called to take part in the mission of the Church.

Secondly, unity is not uniformity. Our different gifts enrich the whole Church, but they must be lived in unity. When we remain within our own groups, or compare ourselves with others, division grows, and our mission becomes weaker. Only united can we truly be missionaries and witnesses of God’s love.

World Mission Day calls us not only to speak about unity, but to live it: overcoming misunderstandings, respecting one another, and walking together. Jesus gave his life to unite us. When we live in faith and communion despite our differences, we reveal something of the glory and love of God.

On this 100th World Mission Day, may the Lord help us grow in unity and harmony, live our differences as a gift, and be “one in Christ, united in mission.”

May our communities be a sign of His love to all we meet.