Maiduguri: “The situation is overwhelming,” says bishop

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 …

Maiduguri, Nigeria-“Over 40% of the city is under water,” 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 …

Nigeria: Aid to the Church in Need asks for prayers for those affected by flooding in Maiduguri

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 …

Burkina Faso: “As a pastor, my heart bleeds”

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 …

Pope Francis expresses great concern at growing attacks on religious freedom, following ACN report

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 …

Aid to the Church in Need denounces new Islamist massacres

In Burkina Faso, Jihadists killed 26 people in a church, many of them Christians. (Cover Photo: in 2022, Jihadist attack in the Minor Seminary St. Kizito where this crucifix was vandalized.) Local sources (that we keep anonymous to preserve their safety) have told the international Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) of …

Chaldeans in Georgia: A living legacy

ACN is helping the Chaldean Catholics in Georgia, who have suffered much over the years on account of their Catholic faith. “Nobody talked about God at all,” says Ilona Bilianova as she remembers growing up in the USSR. Born in Tbilisi, Georgia, and the daughter of an officer in the Soviet Army, Ilona spent much …

Burkina Faso – Over 150 killed in a terrorist attack

In Burkina Faso, over 150 were killed in one of the deadliest attacks in the history of the country. The Bishop of Kaya calls for a day of mourning and three days of prayer for the victims.  On August 24, the town of Barsalogho in Burkina Faso was the target of a terrorist attack which killed …

Ewelina Ochab urges: “The day can help to educate, but action is needed.”

Fifth anniversary of the International Day Commemorating Victims of Violence Based on Religion or Belief. (Cover photo: The Night of the Witness 2022 in Canberra, Australia). 22 August 2024 marks the fifth anniversary of the International Day Commemorating Victims of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, established by the United Nation (UN) General Assembly in …

Jaranwala one year later – no justice, no safety 

One year on from violence described as the worst outbreak of anti-Christian persecution in Pakistan, Church leaders say people are both terrified of more attacks and furious that felons have not been brought to justice. Leading clergy in the Diocese of Faisalabad reported that security services warned Christians in Jaranwala against holding outdoor events today …