Saeculo exeunte is an encyclical of Pope Pius XII in which he honors Portugal at the celebration of its 800th anniversary.

The Pontiff reviews Portuguese history, mentioning among others explorers like Henry the Navigator and Vasco da Gama, who took missionaries along while making discoveries: Their illustrious example greatly inspired the Catholic world, including the spirited citizens of your fatherland, to promote more widely the works of the apostolate.

The selection of decent candidates is of special concern to Pius XII, who suggests that only persons with perfect character aptitudes should be sent.

Portugal was a neutral country and its missionaries could work relatively free from political reprisals.

Therefore, Pius XII turned to Portugal in 1940, as one of the few Catholic countries which could help limit the consequences of the war in the missions.