The local Church hopes the visit will mark a “before and an after,” more than four decades after the last. Note: This text was written before Pope Leo’s visit, taking place there from April 21 to 23, the final stop of an African journey that also took him to Algeria, Cameroon, and Angola. The Church …
Continue reading “Equatorial Guinea’s spiritual preparation for historic papal visit”
As the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to hear the Gospel prepares to receive a visit from Pope Leo XIV, the Church makes a renewed appeal for reconciliation in Angola. Pope Leo XIV will travel to Angola from April 18 to 21 as part of his apostolic journey to Africa, which also includes Algeria, Cameroon, …
Continue reading “Angola: “We cannot host the ‘Messenger of Peace’ with our hearts full of hate””
As Pope Leo XIV prepares to visit Cameroon on April 15 & 16, Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) interviewed Bishop Emmanuel Dassi of Bafia about the reality of the local Church in Cameroon, its social and political role, and the challenges facing the country – particularly in the Anglophone region, which …
Continue reading “Cameroon: A vibrant Church, but “conflict remains an open wound””
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Algeria yesterday, April 13, for a historic visit that shines a spotlight on the small but vibrant local Church and the role of dialogue between Christians and Muslims. Following his arrival in Algiers on Monday, the Holy Father visited Hippo Regius (present-day Annaba) on Tuesday, April 14, including sites linked …
Among the priorities are reopening schools and paying teachers’ salaries, as these play a crucial role in passing on Christian values in the region. People are feeling “scared, angry and sad” after more than 100 bombs fell across Beirut in a single night, shattering any remaining sense of safety for those still living in their …
Continue reading “People feel “dehumanized” as Lebanon buckles under bombardment”
Pakistan’s Christian community is in shock following a serious incident that occurred at dawn on Easter Sunday, when a truck travelling at high speed plowed into a procession of more than 200 worshippers in the city of Gujranwala, injuring around 60 people, some of whom are in critical condition. Authorities have arrested the driver and …
Continue reading “Pakistan – Truck Plows Into Easter Procession”
This Triduum 2026, don’t turn away from the Christians of Lebanon who are struggling to remain in their homes. The Church is there, supporting them through this new wave of violence, and you can be part of that help. Watch Bishop Jules Boutros’ message and give today. Thank you.
Faced with the pending withdrawal of the Lebanese Army from the south of the country, Christians who are attached to their land have expressed their concern for the future. In a statement published on March 31, 2026, four Christian municipalities in southern Lebanon – Alma Sha’b, Rmeich, Debel, and Aïn Ebel – expressed their “deep …
Continue reading “Christian Villages in South Lebanon: Security Alert”
Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) expresses concern over Palm Sunday restrictions in Jerusalem, Syria, and Gaza, and conveys its support for Christians in the Holy Land. The international Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) expresses deep concern over events that took place during Palm Sunday celebrations on March 29, 2026 …
Continue reading “Middle East: Holy Week begins under the sign of the cross”
Holy Week has begun against a backdrop of persistent war and shortages in the Catholic compound in Gaza. Despite everything, the community intends to celebrate Easter to the full, sustained by a prayer for peace throughout the Middle East, as Father Gabriel Romanelli explained to the Catholic charity, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN). …
