Middle East: Holy Week begins under the sign of the cross

Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) expresses concern over Palm Sunday restrictions in Jerusalem, Syria, and Gaza, and conveys its support for Christians in the Holy Land. The international Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) expresses deep concern over events that took place during Palm Sunday celebrations on March 29, 2026 …

Paschal hope among the ruins in Gaza

Holy Week has begun against a backdrop of persistent war and shortages in the Catholic compound in Gaza. Despite everything, the community intends to celebrate Easter to the full, sustained by a prayer for peace throughout the Middle East, as Father Gabriel Romanelli explained to the Catholic charity, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN). …

Nigeria:  “We are part of the martyrdom of the 21st century”

The bishop of Wukari tells ACN about the suffering of his people and says that the federal government of Nigeria must do more to stop violence. The Diocese of Wukari, in Taraba State, in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, is experiencing a severe security crisis caused by armed groups composed mostly of the Fulani ethnic group. “In …

Jerusalem: Christian schools under threat

On March 10, 2026, the Israeli Ministry of Education announced that no work permits will be issued for the 2026-2027 academic year to Palestinian teachers residing in the occupied West Bank who hold a “green card” – an administrative document allowing certain Palestinians to work or travel within Israeli-controlled areas. Consequently, over 200 Christian teachers …

Aid to the Church in Need increases emergency aid to Lebanon

Faced with the recent escalation of the conflict in Lebanon, Pontifical Charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has significantly increased its aid to the country. Currently the focus is on the development of healthcare infrastructure, support for IDPs, and concrete aid for the regions worst affected by the attacks. One of the goals …

Nigeria — Dozens Killed in Suicide Bombings

Priest warns of ‘guerrilla warfare’ following these violent attacks (Banner photo: illustration.) A priest has warned that terrorists are “infiltrating” villages after a suspected suicide attack in Northeast Nigeria resulted in multiple deaths. Father Joseph Fidelis, from the Diocese of Maiduguri, told pontifical charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) that several attacks had …

Lebanon – You can make the difference!

The situation in Lebanon has become dire. Hunger is looming, and many people no longer know where to go. They have been displaced by the increasingly relentless bombardments by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). (Photo of the banner: Our Lady of Lebanon). See the situation on the ground Among those affected, many Christians living in …

Prayers for Times of Distress

At this moment, the world is experiencing a time of great distress. In addition to the many conflicts and wars already present before February 28, 2026 — in South Sudan, in Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Myanmar, among others — the new crisis in the Middle East has only added to …

“The Church is really a rock in Lebanon” as airstrikes intensify

Churches have opened their doors to receive IDPs, but efforts are overstretched operating schools, hospitals, care homes, and orphanages. (Photo of the banner: Fr. Maroun Youssef Ghafari, Maronite parish priest of Alma Sha’b in 2025, at the border with Israel. Rubbles of the war of 2024 are still visible.) As another 25 people were killed …

Pakistan: Demand for justice after Christian man found hanged

The Christian community has refused the official account that Mr. Marqas Masih committed suicide, and claim instead that he was murdered. Two men have been arrested. Church leaders are demanding justice after a Christian labourer in Pakistan was found hanged at a farm outbuilding, amid growing suspicions that he was tortured to death. The body …