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Friday, October 30, 2026 Updated 11:37 PM Central Time 6 stories

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Persecuted church

Illustrative photo: a view of the mountains and valleys from the top of a mountain
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Elliot Gouy on Unsplash
Persecuted church

Muslim Converts to Christianity Face Persecution in Arabian Peninsula

Voice of the Martyrs Korea Saudi Arabia South Korea

According to a Christian organization in Korea, millions of Muslims have converted to Christianity globally in recent decades. The organization's representative notes that these converts often face severe backlash, including rejection by spouses and expulsion from their homes. The group highlights the story of a man who was disowned by his family after converting. To support these believers, the organization is promoting the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church in November. This annual campaign expects participation from churches in 130 countries, urging global Christians to pray for those suffering isolation and persecution for their new faith.

Translated from 한국어Also reported by 1 other outlet

Illustrative photo: a building with towers
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Dad hotel on Unsplash
Good news and persecution

Pope Leo XIV Calls for Peace as Yemen Conflict Intensifies

ACI Prensa Yemen

Pope Leo XIV has urged an end to hostilities in Yemen as renewed fighting triggers a massive exodus and worsens a severe humanitarian crisis. According to ACI Prensa, over 250,000 people have fled their homes since August, with Taiz being the main epicenter. The conflict, involving Houthi rebels backed by Iran and state forces, has disrupted aid and caused significant casualties. Bishop Paolo Martinelli highlighted the resilience of Catholic nuns serving in the region, noting their respect among locals despite the violence. The situation remains critical for civilians facing food shortages and displacement across Yemen and neighboring countries.

Translated from Español

Illustrative photo: hot air balloon flying on the sky
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Chinh Le Duc on Unsplash
Persecuted church

Saudi Arabia Overturns Death Sentence for Sri Lankan Migrant

Crux Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has overturned the death penalty for a Sri Lankan migrant convicted of blasphemy. A senior government official confirmed the ruling, praising diplomatic efforts by both nations. The individual was arrested after posting offensive comments about the Prophet Muhammad on social media during an online argument. The case sparked significant diplomatic tension and calls for clemency. While the initial sentence included a fine and prison term, the death penalty has been removed. Human rights organizations criticized the use of such laws against vulnerable migrant workers, noting ongoing religious freedom restrictions in the Kingdom.

Also reported by 2 outlets

Persecuted church

Amnesty Urges Saudi Arabia to Cancel Death Sentence for Sri Lankan Migrant

Amnesty International (news) Saudi Arabia

Amnesty International urges Saudi authorities to overturn the death sentence of a Sri Lankan migrant worker. He was arrested after posting a comment on Facebook deemed insulting to the Prophet Mohammad. Initially sentenced to five years in prison and a large fine, his punishment was increased to death on appeal. The group states he was denied legal counsel and argues the sentence violates freedom of expression. Amnesty calls for his immediate release and a moratorium on executions for non-violent offenses in the country. (Source: Amnesty International)

Good news

Illustrative photo: a building with towers
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Dad hotel on Unsplash
Good news and persecution

Pope Leo XIV Calls for Peace as Yemen Conflict Intensifies

ACI Prensa Yemen

Pope Leo XIV has urged an end to hostilities in Yemen as renewed fighting triggers a massive exodus and worsens a severe humanitarian crisis. According to ACI Prensa, over 250,000 people have fled their homes since August, with Taiz being the main epicenter. The conflict, involving Houthi rebels backed by Iran and state forces, has disrupted aid and caused significant casualties. Bishop Paolo Martinelli highlighted the resilience of Catholic nuns serving in the region, noting their respect among locals despite the violence. The situation remains critical for civilians facing food shortages and displacement across Yemen and neighboring countries.

Translated from Español

Illustrative photo: a cross on top of a hill with a moon in the background
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Michael Starkie on Unsplash
Good news

Nayran Martyrs Feast Unites Christians in Arabian Peninsula

Agenzia Fides (Espanol) Bahrain

The feast honoring the Nayran martyrs has become a mandatory observance in the Apostolic Vicariates of the Arabian Peninsula following Vatican approval. A bishop from North Arabia states that this memory, recovered after a recent Jubilee, fosters unity between Catholic and Orthodox communities. An Orthodox church in Oman honors Saint Arethas, and a recent pilgrimage highlighted shared Christian heritage. The celebration underscores that Christianity in the region has ancient roots, offering a bridge for dialogue and peace in a volatile area.

Translated from Español

Sources covering Saudi Arabia

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