Nepal priest: “Our presence among those who are suffering will give them hope”

The Catholic Church in Nepal has mobilized to support the victims of the devastating floods that struck the Himalayan country on August 26, sweeping away entire villages and leaving thousands dead or missing. “In some places along the Bhote Koshi River, entire villages have been wiped out. Many houses along the river were swept away. …

Indonesia earthquake: bishop witnesses “tears of sorrow slowly transform into the dawn of hope”

The Catholic Church is at the forefront of efforts to help victims of the earthquake that struck one of the densest Christian islands of Indonesia. The Indonesian island of Flores was recently struck by a severe earthquake that registered at 7.7 on the Richter scale. The August 15 earthquake caused at least 70 deaths, injured …

Significant drop in arrests of priests in 2025 but deaths increase

The number of kidnappings also dropped slightly compared to 2024 but remains a major problem in parts of Africa. Fewer priests were arrested or kidnapped in 2025 compared to 2024, but the numbers remain worrying in many parts of the world according to data collected by the international organization Aid to the Church in Need …

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 …

Pakistan: Two years on, justice still not done

Two years after an atrocity described as the worst outbreak of violence against Christians in Pakistan’s 78-year history, the local bishop of the district has said that not one of the thousands of suspects has been brought to justice – and that he and his people are furious.   Bishop Indrias Rehmat said Christians in …

The Shroud of Turin in Kazakhstan: A historic event of cultural and spiritual significance

With the support of Pontifical Charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), the international exhibition “The Shroud of Turin” opened its doors in the capital of Kazakhstan, marking a milestone in interreligious dialogue in Central Asia. An exact replica (see the picture below) of one of the most venerated objects in Christianity, the Shroud …

ACN Success Story – Sri Lanka

A minibus for pastoral work The Diocese of Mannar is situated in the northwest of Sri Lanka. A while ago, we received an appeal for help from the Vavuniya deanery, where a vehicle was urgently needed for pastoral work.  The deanery includes 10 separate parishes, each of which serves several smaller villages. Altogether, there are …

Pakistan: Christian girls continue to suffer from abuse and discrimination

A report compiled by Franciscan priest Lazar Aslam describes the plight of young girls and women who are subjected to rape, kidnapping, and forced marriage in a country where the law rarely affords Christians equal rights. (Banner photo: Published in 2022, the report Hear Her Cries highlighted the violence committed against women from religious minorities, …

ACN Success Story – India

A new Marian shrine in Balasore In November 2023, the cathedral parish of Balasore in eastern India celebrated the Golden Jubilee of its founding. At that time, the desire was born within the community to establish a Marian shrine within the cathedral grounds. There was previously no place where the faithful could gather to express …

Young Christian Brutally Attacked in Pakistan

A 22-year-old Christian man, Waqas Masih, was brutally attacked by his supervisor, Zohaib, at the Subhan Paper Mills factory located in Sheikhupura, Pakistani Punjab. The incident, which took place on March 22, highlights the persistent religious intolerance present in much of Pakistani society. According to reports from the victim’s family received by the international Catholic …