“The Pontifical Mission Societies are effectively the ‘primary means’ of awakening missionary responsibility among all the baptized and supporting ecclesial communities in areas where the Church is young.” – Pope Leo XIV
Founded by Blessed Pauline Jaricot more than 200 years ago, The Pontifical Mission Societies are the Church’s response to the tremendous need of Catholics in the 1,131 recognized missionary dioceses and territories. We work with Pope Leo XIV to ensure that those who need material support to be effective Christian witnesses throughout the world are provided for and to guarantee that “Christian charity truly extends to all.”
Driven by the faith and generosity of our supporters, The Pontifical Mission Societies support the Church that is growing and joyful in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Pacific Islands, and the Middle East. We play a crucial role in sustaining Christians through persecution, poverty, and instability.
But our mission is not just for the material support of the Church where she is weak: we exist also to enable our donors to live out their baptismal vocation to be a missionary in a truly Catholic fashion. To participate in the work of The Pontifical Mission Societies is to participate in the Great Commission. Together, our supporters respond to this great call with the words of the Prophet Isaiah: “Here am I; send me!”
“As I can testify, they voluntarily gave according to their means, and even beyond their means, begging us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in this ministry to the saints… Now as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in uttermost eagerness, and in our love for you – so we want you to excel also in this generous undertaking.”
2 Corinthians 8:3-7
Learn more about our rich history here.
