Catholic Church steps up pressure on Nigerian government over rising violence

In recent days, several Catholic organizations and dioceses have called on the government to deploy additional military and police personnel to stem the bloodshed and criminality gripping large parts of the country. The Catholic Church in northern Nigeria has intensified its public pressure on the government in recent days following a new wave of attacks …

Cardinal to ACN: “Whoever does not give people God is giving them too little”

During his first visit to the international headquarters of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) since being made president, Cardinal Koch highlighted the importance of the charity’s defence of religious freedom and its ecumenical dimension. (Photo: In the center, Cardinal Koch with employees of ACN International last February 3rd). Cardinal Kurt Koch, recently named …

“It is absolutely essential that the war stops”

The Cry of Gaza’s Parish Priest Although the media attention has died down since the ceasefire, the Gaza Strip continues to sink into an unprecedented humanitarian and health crisis. Speaking to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Gaza’s Catholic priest, Fr. Gabriel Romanelli, described the “very serious” conditions marked by the daily suffering of …

Pope Leo XIV echoes Cuban bishops’ warning that fuel blockade could cause “chaos and social violence”

“Cuba needs reforms, and these are increasingly urgent, but what it does not need is more anguish and pain. No more loss of life or mourning within Cuban families,” say the island’s bishops. During the recitation of the Angelus, on Sunday, February 1, Pope Leo said he has been following “the troubling news regarding an …

As life returns to normal in Aleppo, trauma lingers and fear remains

Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) is committed to helping rebuild homes and lives of the Christian community in Syria. Violence in Aleppo, Syria’s second most important city, has subsided following the withdrawal of forces from the Kurdish-led coalition which were occupying two neighbourhoods in defiance of government forces.* Although neither of the parties …

Aid to the Church in Need once again launches 24 Hours of Prayer for Peace in Myanmar initiative

The international Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) is repeating the 24 Hours of Prayer for Peace in Myanmar initiative on February 1. On this date, which marks the fifth anniversary of the beginning of an increasingly violent conflict in the country, ACN invites people around the world to join in prayer …

Catechists in Mozambique: “We seek to rekindle the flame of hope”

Some parishes in northern Mozambique can encompass hundreds of communities, and priests and religious are not capable of reaching them all. Catechists are often on the front lines of the Church in the most difficult regions and circumstances. Around 300 families live in difficult conditions in the resettlement camp of Ntele, Cabo Delgado, Mozambique. They …

Nigeria: 99 freed children reunite with their parents, while 154 remain in captivity

Securing the release of the remaining students and staff remains the top priority of the local church, Bishop Bulus Yohanna told ACN. A hundred of the 265 students and staff members abducted on November 21, 2025 from St. Mary’s School, Papiri, have been released after more than two weeks in the hands of their captors. …

Mozambique – “You are not alone!”

Cardinal Parolin tells “heroic” Christians in Mozambique In a risky trip to Cabo Delgado, home to a ruthless jihadist violence, the Vatican’s Secretary of State thanked the work of Aid to the Church in Need. Cardinal Pietro Parolin recently concluded a trip to Cabo Delgado, an insurgency-ridden region in Mozambique, where he met with the …

ACN raises religious freedom concerns at European Parliament’s “Human Dignity” event

Aid to the Church in Need (ACN – International) recently took part in the “Human Dignity” event, part of the yearly “European Prayer Breakfast,” which was held on Wednesday, December 3. The conference was held at the European Parliament and hosted by MEPs (Members of the European Parliament) Bert-Jan Ruissen (Netherlands, European Conservatives and Reformists …