During his 2023 series of catechesis on “A passion for evangelization,” late Pope Francis dedicated each Wednesday general audience to a saint who exemplifies this passion. Here’s a look at 12 of the men and women he has cited who gave their lives to Christ and to evangelization.

Freddie Bernardino, a lay missionary from the Philippines, has been serving in Zambia, at a mission station entrusted to the Comboni Missionaries. For the past four years, he has served as Principal of the Technical Vocational School in Chikowa, where he accompanies young people through education while sharing in the life and mission of the local community.

For the past 100 years (1927-2026), the Church has been observing World Mission Day. Over the course of this century, there have been nine popes, each enhancing this event with their messages, insights, and inspiration. The current piece simply presents a synthetic overview following the pivotal mission documents and encyclicals of each pope.