Despite the dangers, crowds gathered along the roads to pay their last respects to Father Crépin as his body was transported to the site of his funeral. Father Crépin Martial Monga, vicar of the Catholic parish of St. John the Baptist in Zémio, in southeastern Central African Republic (CAR), was killed on Monday, June 29, …
Category archives: Feature story
ACN President: More Martyrs Today Than in the First Centuries of Christianity
Publication Note: The following article was prepared in June. Dates and references reflect the time of writing. During the annual pilgrimage for persecuted Christians in Einsiedeln on May 31, 2026, the president of ACN International reflected on contemporary martyrdom, Christian unity, and the mission of the charity. Cardinal Kurt Koch, President of Aid to the …
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Venezuelan bishop: “Even those who have nothing give everything”
In one of the poorest and most densely populated communities in Caracas, the Church has mobilized to care for the wounded arriving from La Guaira. Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has approved an emergency aid package of $150,000 to support the Church’s response to this catastrophe. When Venezuela was struck by deadly earthquakes …
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From forgiveness to uncertainty: the story of a priest in Southern Lebanon
Publication Note: The following article was prepared in June. Dates and references reflect the time of writing. Fr. Youssef Semaan watches on as the conflict in Lebanon empties his village and threatens decades of coexistence between Christians and Muslims. The war in Southern Lebanon is damaging more than just infrastructure, as it causes profound changes …
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Nigeria: “At last, killers have been held to account.”
Publication Note: The following article was prepared in June. Dates and references reflect the time of writing. Bishop Jude Arogundade thanked ACN for its campaign on behalf of survivors, who “will always carry the scars of what happened that day.” The bishop who spearheaded the campaign for justice following one of the worst atrocities against …
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Northern Mozambique: jihadists trying to establish a caliphate, says bishop
Publication Note: The following article was prepared in June. Dates and references reflect the time of writing. Villagers in Cabo Delgado used to be united despite their religious diversity, but lately religion has become a dividing factor, reports Bishop António Juliasse. The jihadists who have been waging an insurgency in the northern province of Cabo …
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“The priority now is to rebuild lives,” says archbishop of Caracas
Archbishop Raúl Biord of Caracas, Venezuela, says that the Church is accompanying the victims of the earthquakes while rescue efforts continue. As search and rescue efforts continue, following the devastating earthquakes that shook Venezuela, the Church has begun to deal with the great challenge of accompanying a deeply traumatized population. “For those who survived, it …
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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 …
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Indian Church calls for National Day of Prayer to protect its charitable work serving the poor
The Church’s vast charitable work in India could be at risk if lawmakers tighten the already restrictive law on foreign funding of NGOs. Christians all over India are preparing for a day of prayer on Sunday, June 28 due to their concern over proposed legislation that could have a negative impact on the Church’s charitable …
World Cup: persecution and religious discrimination in 14 of the competing nations
As 48 countries battle for the World Cup, religious freedom remains an elusive goal for one in every three nations competing. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, taking place from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, has brought together 48 nations for the largest tournament in the competition’s history. As …