The Voice of the suffering in Africa

During his visit to the international headquarters of ACN, Cardinal Désiré Tzarahazana emphasized the urgency of an authentic and committed faith. In the face of many social problems, which, for a long time, have undermined Madagascar, he insists on the importance of pastoral work so that the Gospel may transform hearts and society.  “How can we live and transmit the Gospel so that people can have a deep faith, a solid faith, able to transform our lives according to the ...

During his visit to the headquarters of the international pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Bishop Aurelio Gazzera, who, since last year, has been Coadjutor Bishop of Bangassou in the Central African Republic, spoke about the significant progress that has been made in the relationships between Christians and Muslims in the country.   For a long time, the Central African Republic was torn by conflicts between two big militias: Seleka, an alliance of several predominantly Muslim rebel groups, ...

“Six hundred and ninety-eight, six hundred and ninety-nine, seven hundred.” Mathieu passes pebbles from one side to another. Seven hundred in all, one for each of the Hail Marys he has prayed that night. A night which to him feels like the evening in Gethsemane, in the Garden of Olives, where Jesus also felt alone, abandoned by His disciples, where He spent the night praying to the Father, presenting His pleas and asking for the strength to bear His suffering ...

Bishop Papias Musengamana of the Diocese of Byumba in northwest Rwanda recently visited the international headquarters of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN). He told the pontifical foundation how his diocese recovered from the near-complete absence of priests after the 1994 genocide and spoke about the meaning of pastoral work with families and young people.   Last year, the Church in Rwanda began the celebrations of a two-year double jubilee: the 125th anniversary of the evangelization of the country and ...

Bishop Habila Daboh of the Diocese of Zaria in Nigeria spoke to ACN about the difficult situation for Christians in the north of the country, but also insists that, despite everything, his people are happy, because they have Jesus Christ. Christians in northern Nigeria have to endure many difficulties. An assortment of jihadist activity, common criminality, and tribal rivalries poses a direct threat to their safety and lives, aggravated by the imposition of Sharia law in several regions.   Nonetheless, according ...

Burkina Faso is celebrating 125 years of evangelization in a country currently marred by violence and terrorism. The African nation, which holds first place in the world terrorism ranking, suffers from severe security issues, constant attacks against civilian populations, and entire regions that can only be reached by helicopter.   Despite this situation, the Church in Burkina Faso is joyfully celebrating the arrival of the first members of the Society of Missionaries of Africa, known as the White Fathers, due to ...