ACN raises religious freedom concerns at European Parliament’s “Human Dignity” event

Aid to the Church in Need (ACN – International) recently took part in the “Human Dignity” event, part of the yearly “European Prayer Breakfast,” which was held on Wednesday, December 3. The conference was held at the European Parliament and hosted by MEPs (Members of the European Parliament) Bert-Jan Ruissen (Netherlands, European Conservatives and Reformists …

Canada and religious freedom: numerous concerns

Montreal, October 22, 2025 — “The loss of freedom of religion, conscience, and conviction follows virtually the same curve as that of freedom of the press, once again this year.” Marie-Claude Lalonde, National Director of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) Canada for the past 25 years, is observing this trend with increasing clarity. …

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 …

Rome to host official launch of Religious Freedom Report 2025

Religious and public leaders will gather on October 21 at the Pontifical Patristic Institute Augustinianum in Rome for the worldwide presentation of the latest edition of the Religious Freedom Report (RFR) 2025, prepared by the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN). The program will include the participation of Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican …

“If religious freedom is denied for one group, sooner or later it will also be denied to others”

On the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, the editor-in-chief of the ACN Religious Freedom Report speaks about the upcoming edition and the importance of advocating for everyone who suffers for their faith. August 22nd marks the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based …

Support for Aid to the Church in Need continues unabated!

In 2024, $206.4 million was raised in donations to help Christians in need in 137 countries. In Canada, the generosity of benefactors was evident, with a record-breaking $4.1 million raised. Press Release – ACN Annual Report 2024 Königstein-Montreal, June 18, 2025 – International Pontifical Charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN)’s annual report for …

Syria – Liturgical celebrations and reopening of schools

A new beginning amid hope and uncertainty As Syria marks the first week of the transition to the new regime, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has gathered firsthand testimonies, providing an on-the-ground look at the current situation in key regions, including Homs and Aleppo, where people are dealing with the uncertainties of a …

Red Wednesday 2024: The World, United in Red for Religious Freedom

In solidarity with those who suffer in silence for their faith During #RedWeek, from November 17 to 27, 2024, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) united people from all around the world to pray for persecuted Christians. Worldwide solidarity and prayer vigils, as well as the illumination of over 1,000 monuments, churches, and public …