Medjugorje desecration latest in wave of attacks on churches

From Spain to the USA, several churches have been vandalized in the past three months. Although the attacks seem unrelated to each other, they show that religious freedom is not to be taken for granted, even in majority Christian countries. The popular European shrine of Medjugorje, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, was vandalized and desecrated in …

The return of Christians in Iraq, “a national priority”

The Iraqi government is offering incentives for Christians to return to the country. The prime minister’s words will be discussed at the upcoming meeting of Iraqi Catholic bishops in August. Iraq’s Prime Minister, Ali al-Zaidi, has declared the return of Christian families a national priority and pledged to include returnees in a government program that …

10 Years After His Martyrdom, His Witness Continues to Bear Fruit

Ten years ago, on July 26, 2016, Father Jacques Hamel was murdered while celebrating Mass. His sacrifice remains a deeply moving testimony of faithfulness to Christ, peace, and forgiveness. On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of his martyrdom, we invite you to honour his memory in prayer by having a Mass celebrated for his …

Beatification of Patriarch Hoyek a sign of hope for Lebanon

Today (July 25), in Lebanon, the Maronite Church will celebrate the beatification of Patriarch Elias Hoyek (1843-1931), the father of “Greater Lebanon” and founder of the Maronite Sisters of the Holy Family, with whom Pontifical Charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has several projects. Today, thousands of faithful are expected in Dimane, the …

Pakistan: No justice for young couple burned alive

Twelve years after a couple were burned alive in a brick kiln, justice has still not been served, Pakistan’s bishops say. Bishops say Supreme Court decision is part of a cycle of injustice for victims of persecution. Bishops in Pakistan have spoken of their dismay after the country’s Supreme Court quashed the sentences of three …

Venezuela earthquakes: The Church stands alongside the victims

Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has already committed to a second aid package which, according to its executive president, will be “much higher than the initial $150,000” provided right after the earthquakes struck. (Banner photo: Regina Lynch at the centre of a group of young volunteers, July 2026.) The Church has been present …

Yelewata massacre: still no justice

In Nigeria, more than one year after the Yelewata massacre, Church continues to demand justice for the victims During a memorial Mass held on the first anniversary of the tragedy, Bishop Anagbe remembered the victims and renewed his call for the displaced to be able to return to their homes safely. One year after the …

DR Congo: Crisis deepens as new terrorist front opens in the north

Despite the danger and the looming threat of famine, missionaries on the ground insist they will not abandon their flocks, since they are “living signs of God’s presence.” Hundreds of people have left everything and fled their villages as unknown terrorists ravage the countryside in the northern region of Upper Uele, in the Democratic Republic …

Venezuela: ACN allocates $150,000 to support Church response to earthquakes

Priests celebrate Mass in the street as churches become shelters following deadly earthquakes As rescue teams continue to search for survivors under the rubble following the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, the Catholic Church remains at the centre of the emergency response, opening its doors to those who have lost everything, while …

In 2025, ACN funded 5,368 projects in 141 countries

Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) received $230.2 million in donations and legacies. Among others, it supported one in ten priests and one in eight seminarians worldwide. Thanks to the generosity of 363,176 benefactors around the world, Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) was able to fund 5,368 projects …