The Voice of the suffering in Africa
Here you’ll find the latest updates on the struggles and resilience of persecuted communities around the world. These stories highlight both the challenges they endure and the faith that sustains them. Stay connected to learn how hope continues to shine through suffering.
The Bishops of Angola hope that the Pope’s visit will boost Angolan youth
category
Peace is more than the absence of war, say Angolan bishops as Pope Leo visits. Pope Leo XIV will visit Angola on April 18, as part of a trip to Africa which includes Algeria, Cameroon, and Equatorial Guinea. Angola is a land of paradox. Like so many African nations, it is wealthy in natural resources, but over 30% of its population lives in extreme poverty. The Angolan Catholic Bishops’ Conference in July 2025 denounced “the scandal of hunger” and the ...
After papal visit to Algeria, religious liberty should be discussed, says journalist
category
After Pope Leo XIV’s historic visit to Algeria, it’s worth asking, “Do Christians there actually have religious liberty?” says a Turkish journalist in a new ACN podcast. Algeria is one of the most oppressive countries today for Christians and other non-Muslims, says Uzay Bulut, in a podcast hosted by Dr. Robert Royal, president of the Faith & Reason Institute. Bulut is a Turkey-born journalist formerly based in Ankara. She focuses on Turkey, political Islam, and the history of the Middle ...
Bishop in Cameroon hopes that Pope’s visit starts “a path towards peace”
category
As Pope Leo XIV prepares to visit Cameroon on April 15 and 16, Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) interviewed Bishop Emmanuel Dassi of Bafia about the reality of the local Church in Cameroon, its social and political role, and the challenges facing the country – particularly in the Anglophone region, which is marked by conflict. Speaking to ACN, the Cameroonian bishop stated that Pope Leo’s visit could be a sign of peace and highlighted the growth ...
Algeria: Visit of Pope Leo XIV bolsters mission of small, vibrant Church
category
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Algeria April 13 for a historic visit that shines a spotlight on the small but vibrant local Church and the role of dialogue between Christians and Muslims. Following his arrival in Algiers on Monday, the Holy Father visited Hippo Regius (present-day Annaba) on Tuesday, April 14, including sites linked to St. Augustine, before continuing his journey through Africa. Representatives from Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), who are currently in Algeria, visiting projects supported ...
Angola: “We cannot host the ‘Messenger of Peace’ with our hearts full of hate”
category
As the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to hear the Gospel prepares to receive a visit from Pope Leo XIV, the Church makes a renewed appeal for reconciliation in Angola. Pope Leo XIV will be visiting Angola in April, as part of an Apostolic trip to Africa that includes Equatorial Guinea, Algeria, and Cameroon. This trip is generating enormous interest throughout Angola, with the local Church hoping that the Pope’s April 18-21 visit might lead to the end of political ...
Nigeria: “Holy Week for us is not history. It is reality.”
category
The Bishop of Wukari tells ACN about the suffering of his people and says the federal government of Nigeria must do more to stop the violence. The Diocese of Wukari in Taraba State, in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, is experiencing a severe security crisis caused by armed groups mostly made up of people from the Fulani ethnic group. “In recent weeks, more than seven presbyteries and priests’ residences have been attacked and vandalized, a figure that far exceeds the two attacks ...
