Anti-Christian attacks on an upward trend

The number of churches attacked or vandalized in Europe and the Americas continues to rise, but Christians are often unaware of the legal tools available to combat discrimination and persecution—or, even when they are aware, they rarely make use of them. (Banner: The historic parish church of La Asunción, located in downtown Santiago, Chile, was …

Red Wednesday 2026 – Save the Date! November 18

Press Release – For Immediate Release Montreal, May 14, 2026– As part of its annual tradition, the Canadian office of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) invites you to mark your calendars for the eighth edition of Red Wednesday, which will take place on Wednesday, November 18. (Banner photo: participants in Saint John XXIII …

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 …

Taybeh: Do Not Let Palestinian Christians Become a Memory of the Past

The last entirely Christian village in the West Bank, Taybeh, east of Ramallah, has been enduring a wave of attacks and intimidation by Israeli settlers. Hostile acts include setting fire to agricultural lands, cars, and the walls of an ancient church, hateful and threatening graffiti, livestock released into the village, not to mention the numerous …

Significant drop in arrests of priests in 2025 but deaths increase

The number of kidnappings also dropped slightly compared to 2024 but remains a major problem in parts of Africa. Fewer priests were arrested or kidnapped in 2025 compared to 2024, but the numbers remain worrying in many parts of the world according to data collected by the international organization Aid to the Church in Need …

Red Week 2025: A global cry for religious freedom

Press Release – For Immediate Release Königstein-Montreal, November 12, 2025 – Over half a million people are expected to take part in ACN’s Red Week 2025 while more than 600 churches will be illuminated in red for faith, religious freedom, and in memory of persecuted Christians. In Canada, around 60 activities have already been announced …

Religious Freedom: A global victim of authoritarianism, extremism, and war

“Religious freedom is a human right, not a privilege.” Rome-Montreal, October 21, 2025 – The international pontifical charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) launched its biennial report “Religious Freedom in the World 2025” today, 21 October 21, 2025, offering a global overview of the state of this fundamental right. The study, covering the …

Save the date! Red Wednesday on November 19, 2025

Register your event today! Montreal, October 17, 2025 — Save the date! The 2025 edition of Red Wednesday in Canada will be held on Wednesday, November 19, under the theme “You are the voice of persecuted Christians.” Red Wednesday is an international initiative led by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) that aims to …

Pope Leo XIV calls for renewed commitment to defend religious freedom and stand with persecuted Christians worldwide

The Holy Father receives Aid to the Church in Need in private audience This morning, October 10, 2025, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV received Pontifical Charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) International in a private audience at the Vatican, marking 25 years of the charity’s continued mission to defend the right to religious …

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 …