On the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, the editor-in-chief of the ACN Religious Freedom Report speaks about the upcoming edition and the importance of advocating for everyone who suffers for their faith. August 22nd marks the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based …
Author archives: mariobard
Women around the world prayed and fasted for world peace
As endless wars scar the face of the earth, worldwide representative of the female religious issued a call for prayer and fasting, asking the Virgin Mary, whose Assumption we celebrate today, to intercede for peace among mankind. Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) joined the initiative. International Pontifical Charity Aid to the Church in …
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Nigeria – “People are protesting” after three more murders
On Monday, August 11, women and children in Benue State, Nigeria, blocked a road in protest at the lack of security after their besieged town fell victim to yet another fatal attack. Three people were killed, and three others were critically injured in Yelewata, Benue State, on Monday, at around 8 a.m. The town, which …
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Donetsk – “They cannot realize how much good their help does”
Greek-Catholic Bishop of Donetsk’s message to ACN benefactors. At 45, the Ukrainian bishop, Maksym Ryabukha, is one of the youngest bishops in the world. He is also in charge of one of the most delicate territories in the world, east-central Ukraine, covering the regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Dnipro and Zaporizhzhia. Half of his exarchate – …
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Guatemala: A faith built in community
In the heart of southeastern Guatemala, the small village of Villa Graciela bears witness to the humility and perseverance of the Church. Thanks to the silent commitment of laypeople such as Mirna Sucely Ramírez and José Flavio Silvestre, pastoral life flourishes within the community which has been struggling to rebuild not only the physical structure …
Mozambique – Almost 50,000 displaced in latest round of jihadist attacks
A local priest also tells Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) that jihadists have taken to kidnapping children as part of their insurgency. Almost 50,000 people have been displaced in the most recent round of attacks in the northern region of Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, namely at the end of July and in the first …
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The Shroud of Turin in Kazakhstan: A historic event of cultural and spiritual significance
With the support of Pontifical Charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), the international exhibition “The Shroud of Turin” opened its doors in the capital of Kazakhstan, marking a milestone in interreligious dialogue in Central Asia. An exact replica (see the picture below) of one of the most venerated objects in Christianity, the Shroud …
Holy Land – Youth are “breathing freedom” at ACN-funded Summer Camps
More than 600 young people in the Holy Land experienced a week of fun and freedom thanks to the local Church and Pontifical Charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN). This year, because of the escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran, the opportunity to get away from the difficulties of their daily …
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Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) echoes urgent plea by Father Gabriel and Cardinal Pizzaballa following attack on Gaza Catholic Church
Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has received a new and moving testimony from Gaza, following the July 17 attack on the Catholic church of the Holy Family, which left three people dead and more than ten wounded. Fr. Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest of the local Catholic community, sent a message directly to …
Attack on Catholic parish in Gaza: Aid to the Church in Need calls for prayers and support for the Holy Land
Montreal/Königstein, July 17, 2025 – The Catholic parish of the Holy Family in Gaza was severely damaged today in a raid. According to the Latin Patriarchate, three people were killed. Among the injured, the parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli, sustained a minor injury to his leg. The church suffered major structural damage, and the Christian …