South Sudan: The bishop who brought his diocese back to life

When Bishop Stephen Nyodho was appointed for the Diocese of Malakal, everything had been destroyed. No buildings, no services, and no flock. With courage and leading by example, he began to rebuild—first trust, then infrastructure. The city of Malakal, in South Sudan, used to be home to tens of thousands of people before the civil …

105th Annual Toronto Diocesan CWL Convention – Warm Thank you!

Aid to the Church in Need Canada was honoured to participate in the 105th Annual Toronto Diocesan CWL Convention, held in Ajax on April 27–28, 2026, under the theme Ignite Your Passion, Empower His Mission. Our National Director, Marie‑Claude Lalonde, delivered a keynote address on Tuesday morning, presenting the work of ACN and offering an …

Equatorial Guinea’s spiritual preparation for historic papal visit

The local Church hopes the visit will mark a “before and an after,” more than four decades after the last. Note: This text was written before Pope Leo’s visit, taking place there from April 21 to 23, the final stop of an African journey that also took him to Algeria, Cameroon, and Angola. The Church …

Angola: “We cannot host the ‘Messenger of Peace’ with our hearts full of hate”

As the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to hear the Gospel prepares to receive a visit from Pope Leo XIV, the Church makes a renewed appeal for reconciliation in Angola. Pope Leo XIV will travel to Angola from April 18 to 21 as part of his apostolic journey to Africa, which also includes Algeria, Cameroon, …

Algeria: Visit of Pope Leo XIV bolsters mission of small, vibrant Church and dialogue with Islam

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Algeria yesterday, April 13, for a historic visit that shines a spotlight on the small but vibrant local Church and the role of dialogue between Christians and Muslims. Following his arrival in Algiers on Monday, the Holy Father visited Hippo Regius (present-day Annaba) on Tuesday, April 14, including sites linked …

People feel “dehumanized” as Lebanon buckles under bombardment

Among the priorities are reopening schools and paying teachers’ salaries, as these play a crucial role in passing on Christian values in the region. People are feeling “scared, angry and sad” after more than 100 bombs fell across Beirut in a single night, shattering any remaining sense of safety for those still living in their …

Pakistan – Truck Plows Into Easter Procession

Pakistan’s Christian community is in shock following a serious incident that occurred at dawn on Easter Sunday, when a truck travelling at high speed plowed into a procession of more than 200 worshippers in the city of Gujranwala, injuring around 60 people, some of whom are in critical condition. Authorities have arrested the driver and …

Lebanon – You can support now!

This Triduum 2026, don’t turn away from the Christians of Lebanon who are struggling to remain in their homes. The Church is there, supporting them through this new wave of violence, and you can be part of that help. Watch Bishop Jules Boutros’ message and give today. Thank you.

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). …