The Voice of the suffering in Middle East

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, ...

Besides the human casualties and material damage, Israel’s war with Hezbollah is causing mass movements of people in a country where demography is always a very sensitive topic, which could cause problems in the future. As Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon continues, those who have been displaced by the bombings and the ones hosting and caring for them are showing signs of physical and psychological exhaustion, says Marielle Boutros, project coordinator for the pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in ...

With Islamist groups gaining political influence in Bangladesh, Church sources are increasingly concerned about the treatment of Christians and ongoing attacks on Catholic schools.  In Bangladesh, Christians often struggle to find work, church construction projects are delayed, and the future of Catholic schools is under threat, according to a Church source who wished to remain anonymous for security reasons.  Speaking with Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), the unnamed source said that religious freedom, despite being guaranteed ...