Iraq – Tragic fire at wedding: “We cannot describe the pain,” says archbishop.

What should have been a symbol of hope for Christians in Iraq turned into a moment of despair. Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) asks all its benefactors to pray for those who died or were hurt, but also for the Christian community as a whole. The Christian community in Iraq has once again …

ACN increases aid for children and young people in crisis countries

This summer the charity will support close to 400 camps and gatherings, with most of this financial assistance directed to Lebanon and Syria. Tens of thousands of children and youths from countries in crisis, such as Syria, Egypt, Armenia, Ukraine and Lebanon, will be taking part in camps and summer courses funded by international charity …

Iraq—Patriarch Sako leaves Baghdad in response to the president.

His Eminence Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, Patriarch and the leader of the Chaldean Church has publicly announced his decision to “withdraw from the patriarchal seat in Baghdad, and go from where I am currently in Istanbul, on a church, mission, to one of the monasteries in Iraqi Kurdistan.” The announcement was made in a statement …

Iraq – Looking for leaders to help rebuild the Church

A gathering of almost 2,000 young Christians in Iraq provides hope for the future and encourages new generations to stay and invest in their country and in their community. International charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) helps make this project a reality. Over 1,800 young Christians from seven archdioceses and over 60 parishes …

Over 200 million dollars in donations for suffering Christians around the world

Montreal, Thursday, June 15, 2023 – Pontifical Charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) presents its 2022 annual accounts which reflect a year of record support. Ukraine was the largest individual recipient of help for projects in 2022, receiving almost 10% of the aid, while Africa was the region that received the most support. …

Project of the Week – Syria

A vehicle for a parish hit by the earthquake In February 2023, a powerful earthquake struck the region of Southern Turkey and Northern Syria. At least 50,000 people died, and a large number of buildings were destroyed. Among the areas most hard-hit was the city of Aleppo in Syria, already devastated by the civil war …

“Without Christians… there will not be a peaceful and harmonious Lebanon.”

Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) supports the formation of seminarians all over the world. In Lebanon, this is about more than just preparing men to be good priests; it has to do with guaranteeing a peaceful future for the country, and a stable environment in which Christians can thrive. The Maronite Patriarchal Seminary …

Syria – Successors to kidnapped bishops live in hope. “Whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”

Metropolitan Ephraim Maalouli and Archbishop Mor Boutros Kassis, who lead the Greek Orthodox and Syriac Orthodox communities in Aleppo, Syria, insist that Christians live in hope and continue to feel the presence and inspiration of their two predecessors, abducted by Islamist militants 10 years ago. Christians in Syria, and more specifically in the city of …

Churches in the Holy Land warn of rise in anti-Christian incidents

Attacks on churches, schools and cemeteries by fundamentalist Muslims, Jews and even state authorities are worrying the Christians of the Holy Land. The Patriarchs and heads of Churches in the Holy Land have warned of a rise in anti-Christian incidents, such as attacks on holy sites, schools and even funeral processions. Joint statement of the …

Iraq -Bishop Nathanael Nizar at ACN

“We want to be treated with dignity as Iraqi citizens, because we are people of this country.” Twenty years after the fall of the regime led by Saddam Hussein, Christians in Iraq continue to fight for their right to be treated as equal citizens and to live their faith free from persecution. Pope Francis’ visit …