A Friend, a shepherd, a witness: ACN remembers Iraqi bishop It is with sadness and gratitude that Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) bids farewell to Bishop Paul Thabet Habib of Alqosh, who passed away on June 20, following a battle with cancer. To us, he was not only a close partner but a …
Author archives: mariobard
Sudan: Priest killed by a stray bullet during rebel militia attack
Fr. Luka Jomo died last Friday in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State in Sudan, during an attack by paramilitary militias on the city, which has been under siege since April 2023. Fr. Luka is the first priest to be killed during the current civil war in Sudan. “Dear fathers, sisters, and all …
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Support for Aid to the Church in Need continues unabated!
In 2024, $206.4 million was raised in donations to help Christians in need in 137 countries. In Canada, the generosity of benefactors was evident, with a record-breaking $4.1 million raised. Press Release – ACN Annual Report 2024 Königstein-Montreal, June 18, 2025 – International Pontifical Charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN)’s annual report for …
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Nigeria: Up to 200 dead in worst killing spree
IDPs burned alive, shot dead and macheted Militants massacred up to 200 Christians in Nigeria’s Benue State on the night of Friday, June 13, targeting displaced families, setting fire to their buildings as they lay asleep inside and macheting anyone who tried to flee. The IDP families were in buildings repurposed as temporary accommodation in …
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Christians must be allowed to stay in the Middle East!
“States have to change their perspective. It’s not about focusing on the number of Christians, but on the value that the presence of the Christians adds.” Cardinal Bechara Raï, patriarch of the Maronite Church In a statement to Pontifical Charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), the patriarch of the Maronite Church, Cardinal Bechara …
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Pakistan: Christian girls continue to suffer from abuse and discrimination
A report compiled by Franciscan priest Lazar Aslam describes the plight of young girls and women who are subjected to rape, kidnapping, and forced marriage in a country where the law rarely affords Christians equal rights. (Banner photo: Published in 2022, the report Hear Her Cries highlighted the violence committed against women from religious minorities, …
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Bishop calls for prayers as priest is kidnapped by jihadists in Nigeria
Father Alphonsus Afina was kidnapped on Sunday, June 1, in the Diocese of Maiduguri. The auxiliary bishop of Maiduguri, Nigeria, has called for urgent prayers for one of his priests who was kidnapped by jihadist terrorists. In a message sent to Aid to the Church in Need – International (ACN), Bishop John Bogna Bakeni said …
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“The people of Syria live without dignity or trust”
Despite the very difficult conditions in Syria at the moment, and fear about the future, Archbishop Jacques Mourad believes that the lifting of sanctions will bring new hope. (Banner: December 2024, people in the streets of Aleppo after the downfall of El-Assad’s regime.) The situation in Syria continues to be one of severe poverty and …
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Lebanon – Religious sisters support the population
In Lebanon, religious sisters are helping impoverished families recover from the latest devastating war More than six months since the ceasefire came into effect, after yet another devastating war in Lebanon, the Church is still suffering the aftermath of the intense bombardment and resulting mass displacement. Religious sisters are doing everything they can to provide …
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Peru – Pope Leo XIV’s dedication
Former fellow missionary recalls Pope Leo’s dedication to the poor and suffering Pope Leo XIV served in Peru during a difficult period, when the Augustinians were under threat from terrorists and the population was struggling. “He made sure the poor were treated with dignity,” says Fr. Lydon. Pope Leo XIV is “going to hear the …