The Voice of the suffering in Middle East

December 16, 2025 – As Syria marks the first week of the transition to the new regime, ACN (Aid to the Church in Need) 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 post-regime time.   In Homs, the mood remains cautious, as people took to the streets for demonstrations last Friday. While food and fuel supplies are available, they remain limited, ...

The political situation in Syria, which has led to a drastic change in the country’s leadership, continues to deeply affect the lives of its citizens, particularly its Christian communities. Monsignor Georges Assadourian, the Armenian Catholic Bishop of Damascus, shared with the international Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) how recent events in the capital have been experienced, and reflected on the role of Christians during this period of transition. “The situation in Damascus today is calm, as ...

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa says that even though he does not believe there is a short-term solution to the crisis in the Holy Land, he does have hope for the future of Christians in the region. The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem believes that the end of the war in Gaza is in sight but warns that the suspension of military operations does not equal peace. “I think that the peak of the war in Gaza is behind us. The ceasefire with ...

In light of recent developments in Syria, the pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) wishes to express its continued commitment to the vulnerable Christian communities in Syria, who have endured many years of war, poverty, and uncertainty.  Regina Lynch, ACN’s executive president, stated:  The fall of the Assad regime and the rebel takeover of Damascus mark a historic moment. While religious minorities have largely been respected during this transition, our past experiences remind us how religious freedoms ...

Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) is making an urgent appeal for prayer and support for the Christian community and all residents of Aleppo, Syria, who face a worsening humanitarian crisis following the recent occupation of the city by anti-government rebel groups, some of whom have clear jihadist orientations. Although these groups have promised respect, the situation remains uncertain and extremely insecure for the contested areas.  The counteroffensive by the Syrian army has brought devastating airstrikes on the city. ...

Following a heartfelt plea from a missionary and ACN’s project partner in Aleppo, the pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) calls on all people of faith to unite in prayer for the safety and peace of this war-torn region.  In a voice message shared with ACN, Father Hugo Alaniz, IVE, an Argentine missionary, described the dire situation currently unfolding around Aleppo, where extremist groups have launched a surprise offensive. Several villages have been seized, and vital routes, ...