Today is World Mission Sunday. Pope Pius XI established the day in 1926, and this year the Church celebrates its centenary. Pope Leo XIV’s message for this year carries the theme “One in Christ, united in mission.” He asks the whole Church to renew its unity in Christ, since the unity of His disciples is directed toward mission “so that the world may believe.” He also thanks missionaries who leave home and family to bring the Gospel to difficult places and asks the faithful to keep them close in prayer. The Apostolic Penitentiary has granted a plenary indulgence for World Mission Day. It is open to the faithful who receive Holy Communion and pray for the spread of the Gospel throughout the world, under the usual conditions: sacramental confession, prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father, and detachment from all sin. Confession may be made a few days before or after. The indulgence may also be applied to the souls of the faithful departed.

Doctors at Gemelli Hospital removed a cancerous tumor from Pope Leo XIV’s right lung, according to the Holy See Press Office. The surgery was successful, with no complications, and the Holy Father has returned to his hospital room. We ask the faithful to continue praying for Pope Leo’s recovery and for the doctors and staff caring for him. We also hold in prayer all who are living with cancer, their families, and those who care for them.

As @Pontifex is admitted to Gemelli Hospital today for surgery, we join the Diocese of Rome in praying the Rosary for the Holy Father. Cardinal Baldassare Reina, vicar general of Rome, will lead the Rosary at noon EDT (11 a.m. CDT, 10 a.m. MDT, 9 a.m. PDT) in St. John Paul II Chapel inside Gemelli Hospital, and has asked parishes and religious communities in the diocese to pray at the same hour. We invite Catholics across the United States to join them in prayer. You can also watch the livestream from @VaticanNews on the Vatican News YouTube channel. Please keep Pope Leo and his doctors in your prayers. (CNS Photo/Lola Gomez)

"This morning, the Holy Father announced he will undergo surgery for a lung nodule in the coming days. The bishops of the United States join with the faithful and all people of good will in praying for his good health. May the hand of Pope Leo's surgeons be guided by the divine physician Jesus Christ. Please find a moment today, as I will, to offer a prayer for Pope Leo and his care team." - Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, President, USCCB @ArchbishopOKC (CNS Photo/Vatican Media)

USCCB President Condemns Plans for Livestream of Fort Hood Shooter's Execution as ‘a Barbaric Promotion of a Culture of Death’

Since 1973, the Church has recognized October as Respect Life Month, a time to celebrate the God-given dignity of every human life and to advocate for its protection from conception until natural death. This year's theme is Mary, Mother of Life. To learn how you can celebrate Respect Life Month and meditate more deeply on the gift of human life, visit ow.ly/6F3Q50ZTvlN. Mary, Mother of Life, pray for us! @usccbprolife @DioceseToledo @BishopDEThomas