“In order to protect Christian values, Christians must remain here in the Middle East, where these values are more deeply appreciated,” he said. “In the Western world, with its secularism and globalization, the current is sweeping everything away.”

Given the destruction and enforced closure of ecclesiastical facilities, like parishes, schools, and hospitals, , the Church in the region is struggling to care for its people. But in many places, it is the only local institution coming to anyone’s aid.

Tony has been going on this pilgrimage since he was three months old. “There are pictures of me being carried along,” he says, his voice tinged with emotion. “I am encouraged by my love for Mary, with the title of Our Lady of Lourdes, and I thank God for allowing me to accompany Our Heavenly Mother on this pilgrimage every year.”

The conflict, which pits government forces against armed resistance groups and ethnic militias, has become significantly worse over the past year, with fighting affecting almost the entire country. The current situation brings suffering to all sectors of society and poses a particular danger to vulnerable minority communities, including Christians.

They were known as "rucksack priests," and they had to cover unbelievably long distances. We know of priests who traveled for days on foot or on bicycle. They were absolutely exhausted. Father Werenfried van Straaten recognized how desperate their situation was and asked himself: "What can we do right now to help these people?"

In Nigeria’s Benue State, more than 400 people were killed, and more than 100 others were wounded, raped, or kidnapped, in attacks on settlements and farming communities in 2023,