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 …
Author archives: mariobard
People feel “dehumanized” as Lebanon buckles under bombardment
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 …
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Pakistan – Truck Plows Into Easter Procession
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 …
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Lebanon – You can support now!
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.
Christian Villages in South Lebanon: Security Alert
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 …
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Middle East: Holy Week begins under the sign of the cross
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 …
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Paschal hope among the ruins in Gaza
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). …
Nigeria: “We are part of the martyrdom of the 21st century”
The bishop of Wukari tells ACN about the suffering of his people and says that the federal government of Nigeria must do more to stop violence. The Diocese of Wukari, in Taraba State, in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, is experiencing a severe security crisis caused by armed groups composed mostly of the Fulani ethnic group. “In …
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Jerusalem: Christian schools under threat
On March 10, 2026, the Israeli Ministry of Education announced that no work permits will be issued for the 2026-2027 academic year to Palestinian teachers residing in the occupied West Bank who hold a “green card” – an administrative document allowing certain Palestinians to work or travel within Israeli-controlled areas. Consequently, over 200 Christian teachers …
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“We can’t say there is a safe place in Lebanon.”
Bishop Jules Boutros, from Lebanon, tells ACN that even though the Israeli attacks are supposedly against Hezbollah, they are affecting all Lebanese. As Israel continues to attack several sites in Lebanon, a young local bishop has told Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) that the situation can only be described as catastrophic …
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