ACN News
ACN News
Providing the latest news and raising awareness surrounding the suffering and persecuted Church from around the world
The lastest stories
MAURITANIA: Pregnant migrants dying, leaving babies in the care of religious Sisters
PREGNANT migrant women in Mauritania are dying during childbirth.
Mauritania
MEXICO: Bishop dodges bullets to serve communities in crime-riddled state
A “bullet dodging bishop” has shared the danger of his ministry in one of the most menacing states in Mexico.
Mexico
CUBA: Religious Sisters protecting Church from antisocial youth in remote village
Religious sisters have been holding the fort – dealing with wild youths – in a remote part of Cuba that priests can only visit once a month.
Cuba
October 2025
SUDAN: Catechists operating in violent Sudanese areas that priests fled
3rd October 2025
A Missionary working in war-torn Sudan has praised catechists filling a void once filled by priests in an area he himself fled.
MAURITANIA: Pregnant migrants dying, leaving babies in the care of religious Sisters
2nd October 2025
Pregnant migrant women in Mauritania are dying during childbirth and without care from religious Sisters, their babies would die too.
September 2025
MEXICO: Bishop dodges bullets to serve communities in crime-riddled state
25th September 2025
A “bullet dodging bishop” has shared the danger of his ministry in one of the most menacing states in Mexico.
CUBA: Religious Sisters protecting Church from antisocial youth in remote village
23rd September 2025
Religious sisters have been holding the fort – dealing with wild youths – in a remote part of Cuba that priests can only visit once a month.
GAZA: priests remain with most vulnerable during ongoing genocide
18th September 2025
As the United Nations concludes genocide has occurred in Gaza, the local Church has reported demolition of the city just streets away – yet still refuses to evacuate.
DRC: Bishop condemns ‘umpteenth’ massacre where 64 people killed by jihadists
17th September 2025
A bishop has condemned the “horrible carnage” after more than 60 people were killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
UNITED KINGDOM: ‘Our 10 mile walk was nothing compared to what Christian children suffer’
15th September 2025
With the epic treks made by millions of displaced Christians in mind, three charity workers walked on through downpours to help those persecuted around the world.
INTERNATIONAL: Vatican finds 1,600+ Christians killed for their Faith since millennium
11th September 2025
A Vatican commission comprising historians, theologians and other experts has documented the stories of more than 1,600 men and women killed over the past 25 years for being Christian.
MOZAMBIQUE: Religious Sisters thank ACN for 4×4 to help ‘face challenges’ in north Mozambique
10th September 2025
Religious Sisters in Mozambique have thanked a Catholic charity for a new four-wheeled drive which helps them reach those in need.
IRAQ: Ecumenical festival points to future for persecuted Church
9th September 2025
Christians who survived jihadist attacks in northern Iraq have come together to celebrate a major festival which will proclaim that Faith is still alive in the region.
MOZAMBIQUE: Bishop denounces illegal occupation of Church land
5th September 2025
A bishop in Mozambique has welcomed Pope Leo’s concern and call for prayer as jihadists ramp up their campaign of terror in the country.
SIERRA LEONE: Fresh report shows how ‘compassionate’ priest was killed
4th September 2025
An autopsy has revealed how a priest was murdered by armed men who broke into his parish’s presbytery.
SOUTH SUDAN: Hundreds of unpaid catechists in South Sudan given annual gift as thank you
3rd September 2025
Hundreds of hungry catechists in South Sudan who give their services for no pay have received food supplies to keep them “free from starvation” – thanks to ACN.
INTERNATIONAL: Thousands of pupils return to school in countries where Christians face extinction
1st September 2025
Thousands of children in conflict-hit countries where Christianity is facing extinction will be sat at desks studying thanks to aid from a Catholic charity.
August 2025
HOLY LAND: Christian clerics defy ‘certain death’ evacuation orders to stay with their flock
29th August 2025
Christian ministers in Gaza are defying evacuation orders that could mean “destruction and death” for those who don’t leave.
INDIA: Priests working in dangerous remote areas are back on track
29th August 2025
Priests working in a remote part of India where tigers, rhinos and wild beasts roam the roads appealed to a Catholic charity for help after their motorcycles packed up and died.
MOZAMBIQUE: Bishop welcomes Pope’s concern as terror escalates
27th August 2025
A bishop in Mozambique has welcomed Pope Leo’s concern and call for prayer as jihadists ramp up their campaign of terror in the country.
UKRAINE: Portuguese pupils study hard so Ukrainian children can attend summer camp
26th August 2025
A group of Portuguese girls buckled down to work to raise hundreds of pounds so Ukrainian children could attend summer camps.
CUBA: Car repairs urgently needed to reach communities in remote areas
21st August 2025
More than 40 cars are back on the road in remote areas of Cuba that would have ground to a halt without support from a Catholic charity.
PERU: Carmelite Sisters in Peru expanding convent to house booming vocations
20th August 2025
Religious Sisters in Peru are to build an extra wing at their convent – which is celebrating its 10th anniversary – to meet the demand of new novitiates.
SOUTH AFRICA: Helping train future priests in rural South African diocese
18th August 2025
Young men hoping to become priests in a South African diocese are having their lives transformed by their seminary training – despite coming from impoverished rural townships.
INTERNATIONAL: Religious Sisters call for global prayers for peace
18th August 2025
As wars rage across the earth, religious Sisters are appealing for people in all the planet’s 196 countries to pray for peace.
PAKISTAN: Two years on, justice still not done
15th August 2025
Exactly two years on from an atrocity described as the worst outbreak of violence against Christians in Pakistan’s 78-year history.
UKRAINE: ‘The world doesn’t care'
13th August 2025
Ahead of a meeting between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, a Ukrainian bishop has said that the international community has been silent as the assault on civilians ramps up.
NIGERIA: Terrified women and children block road after three more murders
12th August 2025
Women and children in Nigeria yesterday (Monday, 11th August) blocked a road in protest at the lack of security after their besieged town fell victim to yet another fatal attack.
MOZAMBIQUE: Children abducted as 60,000 flee wave of terror
8th August 2025
Children have been kidnapped in a fresh wave of terror attacks to hit Mozambique that has caused thousands of people to flee.
HOLY LAND: Children find refuge in summer camps
7th August 2025
Summer camps have provided a sanctuary for children in the Holy Land from the threat of falling missiles and rockets.
FINLAND: ‘We travel thousands of miles every week to give Catholics the Eucharist’
6th August 2025
Priests in Finland are travelling halfway across the country to reach parishioners as there are not enough churches to meet the growing Catholic population.
MOZAMBIQUE: ‘Help us survive the storm’ plead Mozambiquan Christians
5th August 2025
Impoverished Catholic communities in Mozambique building their own churches need help to stop the roofs blowing off in extreme weather or being destroyed by jihadis.
KAZAKHSTAN: Maltese Shroud of Turin makes religious milestone
4th August 2025
A historic replica of the Turin Shroud is the star attraction of a ground-breaking ecumenical event that has just opened in Kazakhstan.
LEBANON: ‘I feel like it’s not safe anymore’
4th August 2025
Survivors of a blast that claimed more than 200 lives and injured 7,000 others have said how they are struggling five years after the explosion.
DR CONGO: Bishop slams police response after 37 children murdered
1st August 2025
Following an attack by jihadists who shot and stabbed to death 37 children a bishop has slammed the “slow response” of security forces.
July 2025
NIGERIA: ‘They beat me, but I thank God I survived’ says kidnapped priest
31st July 2025
A Catholic priest has given a harrowing account of how he nearly lost an eye after being kidnapped by armed extremists in Nigeria and held captive for 51 days.
HOLY LAND: Israeli settlers torch cars and spray graffiti in last all-Christian town
30th July 2025
Church leaders denounced new violent attacks on the last all-Christian town in the West Bank.
HOLY LAND: ‘We remain in the hands of God’ says priest injured in attack on Gaza Catholic church
29th July 2025
The priest injured in an attack on the only Catholic church in Gaza has thanked a Catholic charity for its support – as innocents continue to suffer.
CONGO: Summer camp children killed in Congo church massacre
28th July 2025
Children at a summer camp were among up to 40 people killed in a church massacre in the east of Democratic Republic of the Congo.
SYRIA: Humanitarian corridor ‘desperately needed’ as hundreds seek shelter from sniper attacks
24th July 2025
More than 250 people have taken shelter in a church as widespread attacks and bombardments continue in southern Syria.
HOLY LAND: ‘It’s time to end this nonsense and end the war’
22nd July 2025
In a heart-rending witness account of his visit to Gaza, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem has today (Tuesday, 22nd July) begged for an end to the violence.
HOLY LAND: Church leaders denounce ‘heinous attack’ on Gaza church
18th July 2025
The Heads of Churches across the Holy Land have come together to condemn an attack yesterday (Thursday, 17th July 2025) on the only Catholic church in Gaza.
HOLY LAND: Gaza Catholic church hit in fresh army shelling
17th July 2025
GAZA’S only Catholic church was hit during military operations carried out this morning (Thursday, 17th July).
SYRIA: New Wave of Violence against Syria’s Christians
16th July 2025
A series of Christian communities in Syria have come under violent attack, according to fresh reports received by a leading Catholic charity.
NIGERIA: Bishop calls out Government inaction after second attack on seminary
15th July 2025
A Bishop in Nigeria has accused the government of failing to take “concrete action” after gunmen targeted his seminary for the second time in less than 10 months.
HOLY LAND: Church leaders condemn violent attack on Christian town in West Bank
14th July 2025
CHRISTIAN leaders in the Holy Land have today (14th July) accused Israeli authorities of supporting extremist attacks on the Christian-majority town of Taybeh.
INTERNATIONAL: Faith and refreshment for <100k youth
9th July 2025
Nealy 100,000 youngsters living amid war and extreme poverty are to benefit from youth camps funded by leading Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).
June 2025
MOZAMBIQUE: Sisters held at gunpoint and threatened with decapitation
30th June 2025
Religious Sisters in northern Mozambique who were robbed at gunpoint have recounted their ordeal, describing how they were threatened with decapitation during a night-time raid.
SYRIA: At least 20 killed in suicide attack at Damascus church
23rd June 2025
More than 20 people were killed and dozens more injured in an explosion at a church in the Syrian capital yesterday (Sunday, 22nd June) during an evening service.
NIGERIA: We will rise again
19th June 2025
The priest in Nigeria who narrowly escaped with his life following one of the country’s worst massacres of Christians has spoken of his determination to stay and help the community rise again out of the ashes of persecution.
NIGERIA: Up to 200 dead in worst killing spree
16th June 2025
Militants massacred up to 200 Christians in Nigeria’s Benue State on 13th June, targeting displaced families, setting fire to their buildings as they lay asleep inside and macheting any who tried to flee.
UK: Leading MP’s poems aid the Church in need
13th June 2025
The UK’S leading MP has launched a book of poetry drawing on Mass readings – pledging to give half the proceeds to ACN.
PAKISTAN: New report highlights sexual attacks on Christian women
10th June 2025
An investigation carried out by a priest in Pakistan has shone a light on the plight of Christian women and girls subjected to rape and other sexual violence.
NIGERIA: Bishop calls for prayers for priest kidnapped by jihadists
6th June 2025
The auxiliary bishop of Maiduguri, Nigeria, has issued an urgent call for prayers after one of his priests was kidnapped by jihadist terrorists.
LEBANON: Sisters supporting families reeling from war
4th June 2025
More than six months after a ceasefire brought an end to the latest war in Lebanon, Christian communities in the south of the country continue to face deep economic hardship and emotional trauma.
CHILE: Parish thanks charity for restoring torched church
2nd June 2025
Parishioners at a historic church in Chile – that suffered extensive damage from an arson attack – have thanked a Catholic charity for helping them rebuild.
May 2025
NIGERIA: 36 killed by extremists in weekend of terror
27th May 2025
Dozens have died in a fresh wave of offensives on settlements in Nigeria’s Middle Belt by militant members of the Fulani herder community.
HOLY LAND: Struggling to survive
23rd May 2025
The only Catholic parish in Gaza City has been forced to radically cut back on the aid it provides because of the three-month aid blockade, which was only lifted yesterday.
VATICAN: New kid’s Bible for jubilee pilgrims
23rd May 2025
Pilgrims gathering in Rome for the Jubilee of Families, Children, Grandparents and the Elderly at the end of May will receive a special children’s Bible.
PERU: Charity highlights Pope Leo XIV’s pastoral legacy in Peru
19th May 2025
ACN has paid tribute to the new Pope’s decades-long ministry in Peru, describing him as a leader of “great pastoral sensitivity” and “missionary spirit”.
VATICAN: Pope Leo XIV fosters renewal in Eastern Churches during historic Jubilee audience
16th May 2025
Pope Leo XIV has sparked a renewed sense of mission and unity among Eastern Catholic leaders during a historic audience last Wednesday (14th May) at the Vatican.
PERU: Pope Leo XIV’s former altar server recalls fond memories
16th May 2025
A personal account of the new Pope’s pastoral humility and personal warmth has come from one of his former altar servers who now works with ACN in Peru.
PERU: Catholic charity reveals history of partnership with Leo XIV
14th May 2025
ACN has highlighted its long-standing – and fruitful – collaboration with the new pontiff.
VATICAN: Habemus papam!
8th May 2025
ACN expresses joy as Cardinal Robert Prevost is elected as Pope Leo XIV.
VATICAN: ACN pilgrims arrive as cardinals meet to choose new pope
7th May 2025
Supporters of Aid to the Church in Need arrive in Rome to start their jubilee pilgrimage
MOZAMBIQUE: ‘Christians are suffering greatly’ amid spike in attacks
7th May 2025
Christians are under fire as a fresh wave of jihadist violence sweeps northern Mozambique.
PAKISTAN: Cardinal appeals for prayers ahead of conclave
2nd May 2025
A video message from Cardinal Joseph Coutts on the importance of prayer at this time.
April 2025
MADAGASCAR: Cardinal calls for authentic faith amid national crisis
25th April 2025
The head of the Catholic Church in Madagascar pleads for a deeper, more authentic faith to help address the growing poverty, corruption and insecurity in the country.
HOLY LAND: ‘Our people are thirsty to know and live their faith’
24th April 2025
An ACN supported spiritual formation programme is helping Christians in the Holy Land to better understand and express their faith.
VATICAN: Catholic charity mourns ‘messenger of dialogue, encounter and mercy’
22nd April 2025
The head of ACN shares her words on the late Pope Francis.
HAITI: ‘Everyone is at risk’
14th April 2025
Haiti’s growing security crisis is taking a deadly toll on the Church and civilians alike, according to a missionary Sister.
CAR: Peace efforts bearing fruit
11th April 2025
A Bishop in the Central African Republic (CAR) has said relations have improved between Christians and Muslims.
BURKINA FASO: Catechist prays 700 Hail Marys in one night during kidnapping ordeal
10th April 2025
A catechist in Burkina Faso gives account of his four months in captivity with his pregnant wife in the hands of militant extremists.
HOLY LAND: Christians in Gaza consider themselves ‘lucky’
Hundreds of Christians sheltering at Gaza’s only Catholic church – and receiving essential support.
8th April 2025
HAITI: Two religious Sisters murdered as gangs storm city
Two religious Sisters were among those brutally killed when an armed gang ran riot near Haitian capital...
3rd April 2025
UK/HOLY LAND: Bishop makes plea for peace to UK Parliamentarians
A Christian leader from the Holy Land has appealed to UK parliamentarians, calling for a “courageous spirit…
2nd April 2025
March 2025
UK/Nigeria: Nigerian Bishop tells UK parliamentarians Church facing ‘Islamist extermination’
26th March 2025
A bishop in Nigeria’s Middle Belt has denounced the mass killing of Christians by Islamist extremists and…
PAKISTAN: Young Christian brutally attacked in Pakistan
24th March 2025
A 22-year-old Christian man was brutally attacked by his supervisor at the Subhan Paper Mills factory in…
NIGERIA: More priests kidnapped
24th March 2025
Two priests were kidnapped in the south of Nigeria last weekend. Fr John Ubaechu parish priest of…
HOLY LAND: Christian counselling centre helping to ease the anguish
21st March 2025
A Catholic psychotherapy initiative in the West Bank has been instrumental in addressing the mental health crisis…
MOZAMBIQUE: Charity gives hope to thousands of suffering families
18th March 2025
A religious Sister in northern Mozambique has described how aid from an international Catholic charity is helping…
NIGERIA: 21-year-old seminarian murdered
17th March 2025
Christians in Nigeria are in shock after a 21-year-old seminarian was brutally killed by kidnappers....
PAKISTAN: 10 years since Akash Bashir’s martyrdom
14th March 2025
The 15th March 2025 marks the tenth anniversary of a 20-year-old volunteer security guard’s martyrdom which saved the…
NIGERIA: Let our children go back to school
13th March 2025
A plea for government in northern Nigeria to re-think the sudden and unprecedented closure of schools during…
NIGERIA: Bishop, ‘His blood cries out for justice’
11th March 2025
The death of another priest in northern Nigeria has prompted a Christian leader to demand authorities take…
SYRIA: ‘A very black and painful day’
10th March 2025
Hundreds of civilians, including Christians, were “indiscriminately” massacred last Friday (7th March) in north-west Syria, aggravating the…
LEBANON: Sisters giving hope to suffering girls
7th March 2025
Girls and young women in Lebanon have received crucial support from religious Sisters to help them break…
NIGERIA: Priest kidnapped and murdered
5th March 2025
A Catholic priest was kidnapped and murdered in the Diocese of Kafanchan, in Nigeria’s Middle Belt. Father…
HOLY LAND: ‘The ceasefire has made the situation worse’ in West Bank
3rd March 2025
Christians in the West Bank have experienced increased difficulties since the ceasefire came into effect six weeks…
February 2025
UKRAINE: Military chaplain bringing God’s love to the frontline
26th Feb 2025
A military chaplain serving in war-torn Ukraine has given a moving account of his spiritual support for…
DRC: Jihadists leave headless bodies in Church
21st Feb 2025
A local source in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has confirmed that jihadists left…
UKRAINE: Charity helping the Church ease suffering caused by war
20th Feb 2025
An international Catholic charity has helped the Church in Ukraine provide emergency aid, pastoral support, trauma healing…
CAR: ‘Dialogue with Muslims can rebuild hope, peace’
18th Feb 2025
The Central African Republic has been rent apart by sectarian attacks during a major civil conflict –…
INTERNATIONAL: Catholic radio stations keeping the Faith alive in war zones
13th Feb 2025
With support from an international Catholic charity, hundreds of radio stations are helping to bring God’s love…
BURKINA FASO: Two catechists killed in road attack
11th Feb 2025
Armed men brutally murdered two catechists in Burkina Faso while they were travelling home. The attack by…
DRC: Thousands killed and refugee camps attacked
10th Feb 2025
Fighting in the eastern Congo is ongoing, and armed rebels have seized a major city, killing more…
KENYA: Sisters rescuing abused girls from the street
5th Feb 2025
Religious Sisters have helped give hope and an education to young girls living on the streets of…
January 2025
SOUTH SUDAN: Biblical literacy
31st Jan 2025
A charity’s record-breaking Bible for young people is at the centre of a project to teach children…
MYANMAR: Charity calls for global day of prayer for peace
30th Jan 2025
An international Catholic charity is calling for 24 hours of prayer to end the violent conflict that…
DRC: Bishop calls for respect for human life as violence grows
29th Jan 2025
Armed rebels are fighting to take control of the eastern Congo’s largest city, prompting a Church leader…
SYRIA: Christians strive for equal rights
27th Jan 2025
Church leaders in Syria are working closely with the new leadership to ensure that religious freedom will…
LEBANON: Christians needing help amid continued suffering
24th Jan 2025
Lebanon is still suffering from the effects of the war with growing poverty, lack of food and…
NIGERIA: Dozens of Christians killed last month
23rd Jan 2025
Islamist extremists attacked Christian communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt last December, with the worst massacre claiming 47…
MALI: Catholic education in danger
21st Jan 2025
The future of Mali’s Catholic schools is in danger – threatening the important role they play in…
BURKINA FASO: Church feeding displaced and destitute Christians
15th Jan 2025
A Catholic charity has made it possible for a diocese in Burkina Faso to provide six months’…
INTERNATIONAL: 122 priests and religious seized or killed in 2024
14th Jan 2025
A total of 38 Catholic priests, seminarians and religious were abducted, 13 killed and 71 unlawfully arrested…
CAMEROON: Only ‘education and hope’ can defeat ongoing terrorism – bishop
10th Jan 2025
As attacks by Islamist militants continue in Cameroon, the bishop of the worst-affected diocese has stressed the…
NIGERIA: Congregation asks for prayers as two Sisters kidnapped
9th Jan 2025
Two religious Sisters were abducted in Anambra State, south-east Nigeria. The kidnapped religious,…
NIGERIA: Memorial Mass for massacred Christians
7th Jan 2025
Just over a year after extremists murdered more than 300 people in attacks targeting Christian villages…
PAKISTAN: Rural Christian Community shaken after new death
6th Jan 2025
Pakistan’s Christian community is in shock over the death of a Christian who was shot following six…
BURKINA FASO: Rise in vocations despite terror threat
3rd Jan 2025
Vocations at one of Burkina Faso’s main seminaries increased by more than 10 percent in the past…
