World debased by poverty, violence and human rights abuse needs Gospel message - Pope's Mission Sunday message

(20 Oct. 2007) The primary task of every Catholic is to bring the Gospel message to a world debased by poverty, violence and human rights abuses, Pope Benedict XVI said in a message for the Catholic Church’s Mission Sunday, being observed on Oct. 21. Through its missionary action, the pope said, the Church can "guide and evangelize cultural, social and ethical transformations and offer Christ's salvation to modern humankind, debased and oppressed in so many parts of the world because of endemic poverty, violence and the systematic denial of human rights." While renewed efforts for evangelization have proven fruitful, there is "still more to be done to answer the missionary call, that the Lord tirelessly makes to every baptized person," he said in his message which was released earlier on May 29. Most dioceses around the world celebrate Mission Sunday on the last but one Sunday of October. Addressing this year's theme, "All the Churches for All the World," the pope focused on the need for every local church to breathe new life into its missionary mandate. Bringing Christ's saving power to all people "truly involves everyone," he said.