Christian persecution

The Latest

A crucifix which was destroyed during an attack on St. Kisito minor seminary in Bougui, Burkina Faso, Feb. 10, 2022.

Missionary priest: ‘Immense’ pastoral work needed amid anti-Christian violence in Burkina Faso

Aug 30, 2023

By Daniel Payne

Father Pierre Rouamba told Aid to the Church in Need that his group has been working at “systematically opening doors... Read more

Jason Poblete, president of the Global Liberty Alliance and an expert on Central and South America, speaks with “EWTN News Nightly” host Tracy Sabol on Aug. 24, 2023, about the current situation in Nicaragua.

Expert on Nicaragua urges U.S. to ‘stop dawdling with the dictator’

Aug 25, 2023

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

“They want to wipe out Catholicism, eventually, from the public square. That’s their goal,” said Global Liberty Alliance’s Jason Poblete. Read more

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Lawmaker warns of Chinese communists changing the Bible

Aug 21, 2023

By Tyler Arnold

Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wisconsin, shared examples of the Chinese government changing Scripture to serve its goals. Read more

Several mobs attacked Christian communities and set fire to several churches Aug. 16, 2023, in the town of Jaranwala, in Pakistan’s Faisalabad district, after two Christians were accused of defiling the Quran.

Pakistani mobs attack Christian communities, burn churches over blasphemy accusations

Aug 16, 2023

By Peter Pinedo

Church buildings have been desecrated, hundreds of Christian homes destroyed, and thousands of Christians have been forced to flee, according... Read more

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As World Youth Day kicks off, ACN champions cause of persecuted Christians worldwide

Aug 1, 2023

By AC Wimmer

The aim is to encourage pilgrims and participants to actively support the suffering Church in their own countries. Read more

Bishop Rolando Álvarez of Matagalpa, Nicaragua, during the indictment presented by the dictatorship of Nicaragua on Jan. 10, 2023.

Congressman renews request to visit bishop imprisoned by Nicaraguan dictatorship

Jul 7, 2023

By David Ramos

Rep. Chris Smith said he remains very concerned about the safety and well-being of Bishop Rolando José Álvarez after writing... Read more

Pope Francis waves to the crowd in St. Peter's Square during his Angelus address on June 25, 2023.

Pope Francis: Do not be afraid to suffer criticism or economic loss to be faithful to the Gospel

Jun 25, 2023

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis has urged Christians today not to fear persecution for being faithful to what the Church teaches. Read more

Nigerian Bishop Wilfred Anagbe sat down with CNA in June 2023 to discuss the ongoing persecution and killings of Catholics in his country, which has grown so much in recent years that, he said, “it has become a daily occurrence.”

Nigerian bishop describes persecution and killings of Catholics: ‘It has become a daily occurrence’

Jun 19, 2023

By Peter Pinedo

“If we keep quiet a generation will be wiped out, the population will be wiped out,” Makurdi Bishop Wilfred Anagbe... Read more

City of Tripoli, Libya.

Christians arrested in Libya on charges of preaching and apostasy from Islam

Apr 18, 2023

By ACI MENA

Last week Libya’s Internal Security Agency launched a campaign to arrest Libyan citizens and foreigners accused of apostasy from Islam... Read more

Janada Marcus, 22, was forced to flee Boko Haram with her family twice before the terrorists attacked them again, killing her father and kidnapping her.

‘My parishioners shot dead in cold blood’: Priests, lay faithful describe attacks in Nigeria

Mar 8, 2023

By Peter Pinedo

Aid to the Church in Need has released firsthand testimonies of Catholic faithful who have survived torture, kidnappings, and massacres. Read more

Altar of St. Francis Xavier Owo Catholic Parish of Ondo Diocese, Nigeria, where dozens were slain in a massacre on June 5, 2022.

Republican and Democrat leaders urge Biden to add Nigeria to list of countries violating religious freedom

Feb 1, 2023

By Peter Pinedo

Rep. Chris Smith and a bipartisan group of leaders in Congress introduced a resolution Tuesday urging the State Department to... Read more

The Religious Freedom Institute honored outgoing president Tom Farr, who will be succeeded by Eric Patterson, on Jan. 24, 2023.

Religious Freedom Institute honors Tom Farr, champion of those persecuted for their faith

Jan 27, 2023

By Peter Pinedo

The Religious Freedom Institute announced the retirement as president of Tom Farr and the appointment of his successor Eric Patterson... Read more

Pope Francis prays at the general audience, Oct. 19, 2022

Pope Francis prays for priest killed in Nigeria, asks for prayers for persecuted Christians

Jan 18, 2023

By Courtney Mares

At the end of his Wednesday audience, Pope Francis asked for people to join him in praying for persecuted Christians... Read more

Map of the Democratic Republic of Congo

Islamic State bombs church service in Congo

Jan 16, 2023

By Courtney Mares

At least 10 people were killed and more than three dozen injured in the terrorist attack on a church in... Read more

Police and residents of Wumat, a farming town 45 miles south of Jos, Nigeria, arrive to survey damage and help survivors of a terrorist attack on Nov 22, 2022.

Africa’s leaders gather in DC as religious persecution in Nigeria is still being ignored

Dec 15, 2022

By Peter Pinedo

As Biden welcomes African leaders this week, religious freedom advocates are calling for the U.S. to recognize the persecution of... Read more

Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Diocese of Sokoto, Nigeria

Nigerian bishop addresses the evils of Islamist extremism at interfaith summit

Nov 3, 2022

By Zelda Caldwell

Addressing the G20 Religion Forum in Bali, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah testified to the violence committed against both Christians and... Read more

A view of St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest, Hungary.

In effort to help the persecuted, Hungary offers scholarships for young Christians from around the world

Oct 25, 2022

By CNA Staff

A Hungarian official has welcomed Christian scholarship students from around the world to Budapest and stressed the importance of helping... Read more

Pope Francis speaks at the Angelus address on March 20, 2022.

Pope Francis honors nun killed by Islamist terrorists in Mozambique

Sep 11, 2022

By Courtney Mares

Sister Maria de Coppi was shot and killed last week as terrorists ransacked and burned the Catholic mission where she... Read more

Catholic journalist Luka Binniyat will stand trial on charges of "cyberstalking" after reporting on the massacre of Christians in Nigeria.

Journalist who reported on massacre of Nigerian Christians to stand trial for “cyberstalking”

Aug 18, 2022

By Douglas Burton

Luka Binniyat, a Catholic human rights reporter, is facing prison after writing an article in which the Nigerian government was... Read more

State officials walk past injured victims on hospital beds being treated for wounds following an attack by gunmen at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, southwest Nigeria, on June 5, 2022.

Arrests made in Nigeria Pentecost massacre

Aug 12, 2022

By CNA Staff

One of those arrested in the killing of 40 people is a high-ranking member of Islamic State, authorities said. Read more