By Fr Michael Pui, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies New Zealand
On 8 May 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected the 267th Pope. The conclave lasted only thirty‑three hours, beginning on 7 May and concluding the next day. It may not have been the shortest conclave in history, but it certainly caught many so‑called “Vatican experts” by surprise.
Equally surprising to commentators and media alike was that the new Pope had been considered an “obscure” candidate. He was not on their lists of papabili — those deemed “pope‑able” or likely contenders. Yet the surprises continued. He became the first American ever elected. He is an Augustinian. He served as a missionary priest in Peru. He chose the name Leo. And he began working almost immediately after the conclave. For those who expected the narrative to fit their preconceived ideas of how the Holy Spirit operates in the Church, his election was a reminder that God’s plans often unfold beyond human expectations. Sometimes we need to step back to see the larger picture. Often it is time itself that reveals the hand of God.
Now, nearly two years into his pontificate, that larger picture is becoming clearer — especially as the Church prepares to celebrate the 100th anniversary of World Mission Sunday as a global event, one meant to be celebrated or supported by every Catholic. Pope Leo XIV’s early decision to carry over his episcopal motto into his papal motto, In Illo uno unum — “In the One, we are one” — has proven to be a key to understanding his vision. The motto, drawn from St Augustine’s reflections on Psalm 127, expresses the truth that although Christians are many, “in the one Christ we are one… We are many, yet one — because we are united to Him. If our Head is in heaven, the members will follow.” We are one in mission.
In 2023, the then‑Cardinal Prevost explained that unity and communion are central to the Augustinian charism and to his own way of thinking. He noted that communion, participation, and mission — the three key words of the Synod — shape his understanding of the Church. These three words are not only embedded in his motto; they are beginning to define his papacy. They are especially evident as we approach the centenary of World Mission Sunday. For Pope Leo XIV, mission always begins with communion. Mission is not merely activity; it is participation in the life of Christ. And so it is no surprise that the theme he selected for the 100th World Mission Sunday (18 October 2026) is:
“One in Christ, united in mission.”
In his first year as Pope, Leo XIV repeatedly affirmed that the mystery of union with Christ lies at the heart of the Church’s mission. This theme also appeared strongly in his address to the 120+ National Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (myself included) on 1 June this year in Rome. He urged us — especially those serving in older or “established” churches — to help our people rediscover the missionary spirit of the whole Church and the importance of World Mission Sunday. He explained that this theme “highlights the unity of believers and marks the 100th anniversary of this global celebration.” He reminded us that World Mission Sunday is set apart for prayer, reflection, and contributing to the Church’s mission of evangelization, especially in places where the Gospel is newly proclaimed, and the Church is still young. He asked us, the National Directors, to invite every Catholic community to pray and offer spiritual and material sacrifices for these missionary efforts: “It (Mission Sunday) invites all members of the Church to a deeper communion in Christ and to a fuller unity in His divine mission of love… These aspects call for a missionary renewal in the Church in the years ahead. I encourage you to live an authentic spirituality of missionary unity and communion centered on Christ, and to promote it among the faithful.”
As we celebrate this milestone — 100 years of World Mission Sunday in the Universal Church — Pope Leo XIV’s motto captures the heart of the moment: In the one Christ we are one. His call is clear: to be one in Christ, united in mission; to enter more deeply into communion with Christ and with one another; and to renew our missionary commitment for the century ahead.
Perhaps the old proverb rings true: “Cometh the hour, cometh the man.” Or, in this case… cometh the Pope. It is now up to us to respond affirmatively to the Pope’s call.
