Priest’s murder shocks Sierra Leone

Father Augustine Amadu was a friend of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) and his death is a tragic loss for the Church in the Diocese of Kenema and for the whole Church. A priest was murdered in his parish home on Saturday, August 30, 2025, in the Diocese of Kenema, Sierra Leone. Fr. …

Student’s dedication bears fruit for Ukrainian children

Every year, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) helps provide summer camps for close to 100,000 children and young people in need. This year, a group of Portuguese students decided to do their part to help those in Ukraine benefit from this experience. Just by studying hard, a group of Portuguese students managed to …

Pope “close” to suffering people of Cabo Delgado

According to Mozambican Bishop António Juliasse, the Pope’s message is that no war should ever be forgotten. Pope Leo expressed his closeness to the people of Cabo Delgado, in northern Mozambique, during his Angelus address on Sunday, August 24. Pope Francis had previously referred to the insurgency in Cabo Delgado on several occasions. “I express …

Pakistan: Two years on, justice still not done

Two years after an atrocity described as the worst outbreak of violence against Christians in Pakistan’s 78-year history, the local bishop of the district has said that not one of the thousands of suspects has been brought to justice – and that he and his people are furious.   Bishop Indrias Rehmat said Christians in …

Nigeria – “People are protesting” after three more murders

On Monday, August 11, women and children in Benue State, Nigeria, blocked a road in protest at the lack of security after their besieged town fell victim to yet another fatal attack. Three people were killed, and three others were critically injured in Yelewata, Benue State, on Monday, at around 8 a.m. The town, which …

Mozambique – Almost 50,000 displaced in latest round of jihadist attacks

A local priest also tells Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) that jihadists have taken to kidnapping children as part of their insurgency. Almost 50,000 people have been displaced in the most recent round of attacks in the northern region of Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, namely at the end of July and in the first …

DR Congo: Church condemns massacre of young Christians in Komanda and calls for justice

Bishop of Bunia: “We need support for displaced priests.” Following the brutal attack carried out on the night of July 26-27 in the town of Komanda, in the northeast of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the local Church has raised its voice in condemnation and pain. The attack, which occurred at around two …

Dozens killed in another church massacre in DR Congo

Militants stormed the church during an early morning prayer vigil, killing approximately 40 people with guns and machetes. At least 40 people, including many children, were killed in a massacre in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in the early hours of Sunday, July 27. The attack took place in the east of the country, …

Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) distributing 10,000 free copies of YOUCAT Confession to participants of the Jubilee of Youth in Rome

A gift to young pilgrims: the Sacrament of Reconciliation as a way to conversion. The Circus Maximus in Rome will be hosting one of the greatest catechetical initiatives of the Holy Year next Friday, August 1, during the Youth Jubilee, with the distribution of 10,000 free copies of a special edition of the YOUCAT Confession …

Nigeria: Kidnapped priest, Father Alphonsus Afina, freed along with ten female hostages

Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) International joyfully announces the release of Father Alphonsus Afina, a priest of the Diocese of Maiduguri, Nigeria, who had been abducted on June 1, 2025 by armed militants and spent 51 days in captivity. His release, along with that of the ten women who were also held captive, …