Since the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, at the end of February 2026, the southern border of Lebanon has again become a war zone. In this context of increased violence, Fr. Maroun Youssef Ghafari, the Maronite parish priest of Alma Sha’b, on the border with Israel, has decided to stay with his …
Continue reading ““We will stay, despite the war,” says priest in southern Lebanon”
Pontifical Charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) calls for prayers for Fr. Pierre El Rai, a Maronite priest from the Maronite Diocese of Tyre and a project partner of the charity in southern Lebanon, who was killed amid the current escalation of violence in the region. According to information received by ACN, the …
Continue reading “ACN calls for prayers for Fr. Pierre El Rai, killed in southern Lebanon”
Over 30,000 displaced as violence escalates in Lebanon Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has remained in contact with project partners in the areas affected by airstrikes, assessing the need for emergency assistance. (Banner photo: archive from May 2025, when the southern region of the country was hit by destructive bombardments.) Nearly 30,000 people …
Continue reading “Lebanon: “Missiles are flying over our heads””
Lebanon is still recovering from years of conflict and economic turmoil. The Pope’s visit is a sign that the local Church is not forgotten and highlights the country’s unique role in the region. The Church in Lebanon hopes that Pope Leo’s presence will help secure justice for the victims of the 2020 Port explosion, which …
Continue reading “Pope is travelling to Lebanon to “heal wounds” and “work for peace””
Thanks to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) and its benefactors From kindergartens to universities, many students are receiving an education thanks to ACN-funded programs in crisis-hit countries around the world, where Christian communities are in danger of extinction. As a new school year begins in many parts of the world, thousands of children …
Continue reading “Thousands of children prepare to return to school”
Five years have passed since one of the most devastating moments in Lebanon’s recent history—the Beirut port explosion of August 4, 2020. The blast killed over 200 people, injured more than 7,000, and left entire neighbourhoods in ruins. Around 300,000 people were left homeless. Yet amid the trauma and hardship, many Lebanese cling to faith, …
Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) provides summer camps and activities for almost 100,000 children in 15 countries For many children from poor or war-stricken communities, the summer camps and other activities are an opportunity to have fun and grow in the faith in a secure environment, accompanied by religious and Church animators. Almost …
The Church in Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley is enabling Christian life to flourish, despite the ongoing armed conflict and economic instability. Christian families and individuals are offering a powerful witness by looking after those displaced by the war. New religious congregations are also on the rise, helping to keep the faith alive in the Middle East, …
Continue reading “Lebanon: The Church remains hopeful and vibrant”
In 2024, $206.4 million was raised in donations to help Christians in need in 137 countries. In Canada, the generosity of benefactors was evident, with a record-breaking $4.1 million raised. Press Release – ACN Annual Report 2024 Königstein-Montreal, June 18, 2025 – International Pontifical Charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN)’s annual report for …
Continue reading “Support for Aid to the Church in Need continues unabated!”
“States have to change their perspective. It’s not about focusing on the number of Christians, but on the value that the presence of the Christians adds.” Cardinal Bechara Raï, patriarch of the Maronite Church In a statement to Pontifical Charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), the patriarch of the Maronite Church, Cardinal Bechara …
Continue reading “Christians must be allowed to stay in the Middle East!”
