Nicaragua and Belarus lead the list of authoritarian regimes detaining priests and religious to punish the Church for operating freely and speaking out against injustice. In Belarus, at least 10 were detained by the authorities, with three still behind bars as 2023 ended.

"Lord Jesus, enlighten our leaders. Lord Jesus, destroy the desire for war. Lord Jesus, dispel hatred. Lord Jesus, strengthen hope. Lord Jesus, reconcile all hearts. Lord Jesus, unite all nations in you. Lord Jesus, protect the poor and helpless. Lord Jesus, comfort those who suffer."

“I have never left this place. I know nothing of the world, but I believe in God. He gives me eternal life. I called the friars here to baptize my children. I don’t want anybody to die without getting to know God. Now, the names of all my children are written in Heaven.”

“ACN came into my life several years ago. It is a charity I trust because I know that it is a Catholic organization and that the money it receives is well spent. There are so many desperate situations in the world, so I am eager to help in any way I can."

The 19 clerics were imprisoned in Nicaragua for speaking out against injustices and human rights violations, or merely for trying to operate freely. Bur concern remains over the fact that they have been forced to leave the country.

The head of the Catholic Church in Ukraine meets with Aid to the Church in Need to discuss the challenges the country faces. On the feast day of St. Nicholas, Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of the Greek Catholic Church in Ukraine, met with representatives from Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) at his headquarters in Lviv. The main challenges facing Ukraine today, and how best to support the country at this critical time, were topics of discussion.  Words ...