10 Years After His Martyrdom, His Witness Continues to Bear Fruit

Ten years ago, on July 26, 2016, Father Jacques Hamel was murdered while celebrating Mass. His sacrifice remains a deeply moving testimony of faithfulness to Christ, peace, and forgiveness. On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of his martyrdom, we invite you to honour his memory in prayer by having a Mass celebrated for his …

Beatification of Patriarch Hoyek a sign of hope for Lebanon

Today (July 25), in Lebanon, the Maronite Church will celebrate the beatification of Patriarch Elias Hoyek (1843-1931), the father of “Greater Lebanon” and founder of the Maronite Sisters of the Holy Family, with whom Pontifical Charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has several projects. Today, thousands of faithful are expected in Dimane, the …

Pakistan: No justice for young couple burned alive

Twelve years after a couple were burned alive in a brick kiln, justice has still not been served, Pakistan’s bishops say. Bishops say Supreme Court decision is part of a cycle of injustice for victims of persecution. Bishops in Pakistan have spoken of their dismay after the country’s Supreme Court quashed the sentences of three …

Yelewata massacre: still no justice

In Nigeria, more than one year after the Yelewata massacre, Church continues to demand justice for the victims During a memorial Mass held on the first anniversary of the tragedy, Bishop Anagbe remembered the victims and renewed his call for the displaced to be able to return to their homes safely. One year after the …

Venezuela: ACN allocates $150,000 to support Church response to earthquakes

Priests celebrate Mass in the street as churches become shelters following deadly earthquakes As rescue teams continue to search for survivors under the rubble following the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, the Catholic Church remains at the centre of the emergency response, opening its doors to those who have lost everything, while …

Venezuela: Call for Prayers After Devastating Earthquake

International Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) calls for prayer for the people of Venezuela, following two strong earthquakes that have shaken the country, causing fatalities, serious material damage, and leaving thousands of people afraid to return to their homes. The earthquakes occurred on the afternoon of June 24. The first earthquake …

Sudan: Priest Killed in the Nuba Mountains

Fr. Youhanna Al-Amin died in Kauda, a region of Sudan marked by tribal tensions and disputes among armed groups. According to local sources, the killing appears to have been an act of retaliation after he reported the theft of medicines intended for the local population. The Catholic Church in Sudan is mourning the death of …

Pope and African bishops decry murder of Mozambican prelate

Bishop Osório Citora Afonso was a friend and collaborator of ACN, and the charity has expressed its deep sorrow following news of his death. Two days after the murder of the bishop of Quelimane, in Mozambique, on June 6, reactions continue to pour in, though motives for the killing remain a mystery. The day of …

Nigeria: Bishop welcomes arrests in school kidnapping case

“The families will be relieved and happy to hear that those who planned the abduction of their children have been arrested. This is truly good news,” says Bishop Bulus Yohanna. (Banner: In February 2026, religious leaders held a press conference against terrorism and asked for the government to act.) Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna of Kontagora, …

“Your presence is a mission”

New Chaldean Patriarch to Iraqi Christians In a message to Paul III Nona, ACN’s executive president recalled the sufferings of the Chaldean faithful in Iraq, who “have so often been called to bear witness to their Christian faith in times of persecution and suffering.” The new patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church was officially installed …