Millions of Christians live in countries where religious freedom is not respected and where they may be subject to discrimination and persecution. In the Pope’s video message, these Christian communities are remembered, and examples of courage are cited, like the first Servant of God from Pakistan, Akash Bashir, who died at the age of 20 in 2015 while trying to prevent a terrorist attack on a church in Lahore.

As many men fight on the frontlines, women face domestic challenges alone, including the burden of raising children and caring for relatives, and the immense suffering that comes from not knowing if their sons and husbands will return home from the war.

Qazi Faez Isa, the Chief Justice of Pakistan and head of the Supreme Court, described the report as being “[worthy of] the dustbin.” According to the Court, the report lacked relevant information, like details of arrests, and investigation agencies were seemingly not determined to bring the perpetrators to justice.

For now, the main concern has been finding shelter and support for the internally displaced. “They are fleeing villages that are reduced to ashes, and those whose villages might be next  are also running. The only thing they are sure of is the starting point… They are searching for a safe place; I don’t know where they will find it. Perhaps they will have to settle for the least unsafe.”

“At this painful time, we invite you to pray for those who have died in the faith, that they may rest in the Lord; for the healing of the wounded; and for the consolation of those who are grieving. Let us also pray for the conversion of those who continue to sow death and desolation in our country."

The insurgency in northern Mozambique began in 2017, but attacks have increased this year. In the last few days alone, there have been several raids on towns and villages, and people have been kidnapped and killed.