Of all the current war zones in the world, Sudan is among the least likely to heed Pope Francis’s repeated calls for peace in the world, as both sides show no signs of wanting to end hostilities, and the Christian presence in the country is minuscule. In this article, ACN shares the story of a bishop who bravely continues to lead his flock in the city of El-Obeid and finds hope in the Blessed Sacrament. The bishop spoke of this ...

The pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) is calling for a 24-hour Global Day of Prayer for Peace in Myanmar, which will be celebrated on February 1st. On this date, which marks an important anniversary in the country’s recent history, the foundation’s headquarters and 23 national offices will join forces, inviting people from all over the world to join in a spirit of solidarity and hope.  The day will be divided into prayer shifts, allowing global participation ...

The Diocese of Nouna thanks ACN for supporting catechists.  Thanks to help from ACN, the Burkinabé Diocese of Nouna has been able to provide six months of basic foodstuffs to 30 internally displaced catechists in the parishes of Nouna, Solenzo, and Saneba, so they can feed their families and help other people in need.  “In the name of his excellence, Bishop Joseph Sama, and the various priests of the parishes which have benefited, we convey our deep gratitude for your ...

The number of priests and religious kidnapped increased in 2024, while the number arrested for reasons of persecution diminished. In total, ACN registered 122 cases impacting priests and religious, including 13 murders, 38 kidnappings, and 71 held under arrest. Ten of these incidents involved women, eight of whom were kidnapped and two arrested.  More Catholic priests and religious were kidnapped in 2024 than in 2023, according to data collected by the pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN). ...

Father Marcelo Oliveira accuses neighboring countries of instigating the violence in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where rebel groups did not even respect a Christmas truce. Christmas was a difficult time for the people of North Kivu, in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They have been filled with constant fear and anguish because of armed groups that are active near the border with Rwanda. In a message to Aid to the ...

The Diocese of Maroua-Mokolo in the extreme north of Cameroon has suffered sporadic attacks from Boko Haram. Monsignor Bruno Ateba tells Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) about his hope for the future through spiritual and educational formation programs, especially for young people and families. He also explains the importance of translating the Bible into Mafa, a powerful tool to strengthen the faith of a majority Christian tribe.   Since 2013, your Diocese of Maroua-Mokolo, on the border with Nigeria, ...