but now there is a shortage of missionary priests especially in africa. the pope recommends missionary societies such as "portuguese society for the promotion of the catholic foreign missions," in order to improve the quality of preparation and training and interaction among clergy in missions. the selection of decent candidates is of special concern to pius xii, who suggests that only persons with perfect character aptitudes should be sent. he appeals to the people of portugal, to support their missionaries generously. he entrusts them and all of portugal to the protection of our lady of fátima, who, as pius xii said in a radio address, may have aided in keeping portugal out of world war ii.