The Archdiocese of Baalbek-Deir El-Ahmar in the Beqaa Valley, eastern Lebanon, is suffering a major humanitarian and security crisis as a result of the daily Israeli bombardment. In an interview with Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Msgr. Hanna Rahmé describes the Church’s solidarity with internally displaced people and the disastrous situation which is …
Continue reading “Crisis in Lebanon: Christians open their doors to thousands fleeing bombardments”
As the bishop of Latin rite Catholics in Syria, the Franciscan Hanna Jallouf is very familiar with the situation in Idlib Governorate, the last rebel stronghold, where he served as a pastor for 22 years until his appointment as bishop in September 2023. In a conversation with an Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) …
Despite ongoing airstrikes, a religious sister has decided to stay with the Christian community in Ain Ebel, Southern Lebanon, just five kilometres from the Israeli border. “There are still some 9,000 Christians here in three different villages. We are in constant danger,” reports Sr. Maya El Beaino from the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of …
Continue reading “Despite the bombardments, religious sister remains in Southern Lebanon”
Shagufta Kiran, mother of four, to appeal conviction A Christian mother of four in Pakistan has been sentenced to death for allegedly sharing blasphemous messages on WhatsApp. But legal advocates, supported by a leading Catholic charity, have vowed to appeal the conviction. Former nurse Shagufta Kiran, 40, was sentenced to death on Wednesday, September 18 …
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Since Monday September 23, the Israeli army has been heavily bombing Hezbollah targets in Eastern and Southern Lebanon, spreading terror among the population. The provisional death toll currently stands at over 550.The wave of airstrikes targeting Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon is having a devastating effect on the entire population, including Christians, and could drive even …
At least 50,000 Christians have been directly affected by the flooding in Maiduguri, northeastern Nigeria, although the actual numbers could be far higher. Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has committed to helping the local diocese and is requesting donations and prayers from its benefactors. The devastating floods that have affected the northeastern Nigerian …
Continue reading “Maiduguri: “The situation is overwhelming,” says bishop”
Aid to the Church in Need has committed to helping the Diocese of Maiduguri, struck by terrible flooding, with the provision of food, sanitation, medicine, and shelter. The Catholic auxiliary bishop of Maiduguri, in Nigeria, has issued an appeal for prayer and help in the wake of devastating floods that are affecting the city in …
Continue reading “Maiduguri, Nigeria-“Over 40% of the city is under water,” says bishop”
The Nigerian city of Maiduguri, known for having been the hub of Boko Haram activities, is currently grappling with a devastating flood that has engulfed major areas of the metropolis, including St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral. This catastrophic event is said to have been caused by damage to the Alau Dam, located a few kilometres from …
In only a decade, Burkina Faso has become an epicentre of terrorist violence, with over 40% of the country’s territory outside of government control. The Catholic Church is one of the institutions that provides material and spiritual support in this situation. Two Burkinabe priests from one of the dioceses that has been hardest hit by …
Continue reading “Burkina Faso: “As a pastor, my heart bleeds””
The Holy Father thanked Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) for its report which points to a decrease in religious freedom, and said he is praying for all those who are persecuted for their faith. Pope Francis was given a copy of the Religious Freedom in the World Report for 2023, published by the …
