As the country sinks into an unprecedented crisis, ravaged by armed gangs, the Church remains standing and sows hope amid despair. The legislative and presidential elections due to be held in Haiti on August 30 – the first since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021 – have been postponed until December. But the …
Continue reading “In Haiti, the Church Is the “Last Line of Defence,” says a bishop”
Although relations between the Church and the state have improved over the past century, the bishops denounce the cartels’ “parallel government,” which undermines religious freedom in Mexico. (Banner photo: In 2022, the funeral of Jesuit Fathers Joaquín Mora and Javier Campos, who were allegedly murdered by members of a drug cartel.) The Catholic bishops of …
Continue reading “Mexico: Aid to the Church in Need Joins the Bishops’ Appeal”
Catholic leaders advocate for the right of return of internally displaced people. The return of thousands of displaced Christians to their places of origin in Iraq, supported by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) following the defeat of Islamic State, could serve as a model for responding to the crisis facing Christian communities in …
Continue reading “The return of Iraq’s Christians: a possible model for Nigeria”
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 …
Continue reading “Medjugorje desecration latest in wave of attacks on churches”
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 …
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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 …
Continue reading “10 Years After His Martyrdom, His Witness Continues to Bear Fruit”
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 …
Continue reading “Beatification of Patriarch Hoyek a sign of hope for Lebanon”
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 …
Continue reading “Pakistan: No justice for young couple burned alive”
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 …
Continue reading “Venezuela earthquakes: The Church stands alongside the victims”
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 …
