Gang violence, forced migration, and poverty continue to plague Haiti. The Bishop of Fort-Liberté, Quesnel Alphonse, tells ACN about looting by gangs, the growing influence of Islam, and the trauma of a population that “feels completely lost.“ Haiti is experiencing a very difficult time, marked by an increase in gang violence and a collapse of basic services. Would you say that the situation is getting worse?  Definitely, yes. If I had to pick a word to describe the situation, I’d ...

Despite the widespread terrorism increasingly affecting Burkina Faso, and though priests and catechists are the main targets among pastoral agents, the country has seen a growth in priestly vocations in recent years. Supporting these future priests in their formation is one of ACN’s priorities.  For most people, Christmas is a time of family reunions, but this is not the case for many seminarians in Burkina Faso. Because of the serious security crisis caused by terrorism, some must forego joining their ...

In Lahore, Pakistan, where Christians make up a small minority of a predominantly Muslim society, Christmas takes on a special meaning. Despite significant challenges and restrictions, the Christian community continues to celebrate the birth of Christ with deep faith.   Father Lazar Aslam, a Franciscan Capuchin Priest, has served the faithful in Pakistan for years, offering pastoral care and spiritual guidance in a time of great adversity. In this interview with Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Father Lazar shares ...

Cabo Delgado was the area most affected by the fury of Cyclone Chido, which swept through Mozambique early on Sunday, December 15th, after causing destruction in the French archipelago of Mayotte. There are dozens of fatalities, and thousands of people lost everything. They are now asking how they will survive. In an initial report, the Diocese of Pemba speaks of a “frightening scene of destruction,” and even the IDP camps for victims of terrorism were leveled.   Once the sun rose ...

Ukrainian Church leaders have sent Christmas greetings to ACN, thanking the charity for its material and spiritual support over three years of war. In their messages, they highlight the country’s current challenges, such as an increase in stress levels and a shortage of resources in several regions.   “Thank you for all you do. Thank you!” says the Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine, Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas, in his Christmas message to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN). As the war in ...

King Charles III appeared at a special Advent service on Tuesday, December 17th, at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, in Mayfair, London. The service was co-hosted by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN). The service celebrated the courage and perseverance of Christian communities and reflected on the 10th anniversary of the invasion of Mosul and the Nineveh Plains in northern Iraq by Daesh (ISIS). As part of the proceedings, the King was introduced to representatives of the London-based ...