Pope Francis, 10 years in solidarity with persecuted Christians

This past Wednesday, March 8, the Holy Father met with two young Nigerian Christians who were victims of jihadist persecution. (Cover photo: Pope Francis in Iraq, March 2021). On the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ pontificate, Pontifical Charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) highlights the Holy Father’s closeness to Christians who suffer persecution …

Nicaragua-Lent: Government forbids the Stations of the Cross and processions during Holy Week

Church in Nicaragua: “As long as we can get on our knees and raise our hands in prayer to God, we shall not be paralyzed by fear.” The government has forbidden the Stations of the Cross and Holy Week processions, but the faithful remain united around the Eucharist during this Lenten season. “This period of …

On March 8, Boko Haram victims to be greeted by Pope Francis

On March 8, Hear Her Cries* In honour of International Women’s Day, on March 8, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has invited two Nigerian Christians to visit Italy. Maryamu Joseph (16), and Janada Marcus (22) are recent victims of the savagery of Boko Haram terrorists, who have been responsible for the deaths of …

Pakistani Catholic escapes forced conversion to Islam

For years, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has been highlighting the suffering of women and young girls subjected to abduction and forced conversion in countries around the world. Many cases go unknown, but shocking testimonies like the story of Kinza Sindhu (14) show the urgency of this issue. Kinza was raped and forcefully …

Lebanon – Middle East churches believe “Synod can be a new spring for the Church, like Vatican II.”

The Continental Synodal Assembly for the Middle East was held in February, with the support of Pontifical Charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN). Catholic delegates from different parts of the world have been taking part in continental assemblies as part of the Church’s Synod on Synodality. Each continent and country has its own …

Religious Freedom: Biden pressured to designate Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern.”

The fate of Nigeria’s Christians tops agenda at International Religious Freedom Summit. A bi-partisan resolution calling the Biden Administration to task for failing to protect Nigeria’s Christians took the spotlight at the third annual International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit in Washington, D.C. from January 31 to February 1, only weeks before the presidential election in …

India – Supporting the formation of 25 young religious women

ACN Project of the Week The congregation of the Sisters of the Cross of Chavanod was founded in France and has been established in India ever since 1886. Today, the religious sisters are present in the capital, New Delhi, and in 17 of the federal states of the country. They are dedicated to the service …

Ukraine – Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has directly helped more than 15,000 Ukrainians

Since February 24, 2022, ACN benefactors all around the world contributed more than 13.11 million dollars, including nearly $500,000 from Canada ($492,500) – to over 290 different projects all over Ukraine, including in Latin and Greek Catholic dioceses. A large part of this aid has supported those who are dedicated to working with the destitute, …

Nicaragua – ACN deeply concerned with the situation of the Church and the sentencing of Bishop Rolando Álvarez to 26 years in prison

Pontifical Charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) calls for prayers for the Church in Nicaragua and for the Nicaraguan bishop who was convicted for treason on February 10. Pope Francis expressed his sadness and concern on February 12, following the Angelus prayer. ACN echoes these sentiments and asks all its friends and benefactors …

Cuba – Papal envoy Cardinal Stella highlights Church’s work with the sick, elderly, and poor

Cardinal Beniamino Stella, Pope Francis’ envoy to the 25th anniversary celebration of Pope John Paul II’s visit to Cuba, has asked the regime to free activists who were detained in anti-government protests in July 2021. On Friday, February 10, Cardinal Stella completed his tour of Cuba’s dioceses. The cardinal knows this country well, as he …