Pope Francis has sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s plans for mass deportations in a letter to US bishops. The Vatican stated that policies based on violence rather than human dignity are unjust and violate the rights of migrants. The Pope emphasized that true rule of law requires protecting the most vulnerable, referencing biblical stories of flight. This communication follows earlier tensions, including criticism from US immigration officials and the appointment of bishops known for advocating for refugees. The letter urges believers to reject discriminatory narratives and build solidarity instead of walls of shame.
Translated from DeutschAlso reported by 3 outlets
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Ali Karimi on UnsplashPersecuted church
A new report reveals that Christians in Iran received over 250 years of combined prison sentences in 2024, a sixfold increase from 2023. The study, titled 'The Tip of the Iceberg' and released with Open Doors, attributes the rise to arrests in late 2023 and longer individual terms for faith-related charges. Analysis of leaked judicial files shows systematic repression, including criminalizing Bible possession and worship. Authorities increasingly use amended penal code articles to target financial support for churches, aiming to isolate the community. The report highlights that many cases remain unreported, indicating the scale of persecution is likely much larger than official statistics suggest.
The Court of Appeal in the United Kingdom has ruled in favor of Kristie Higgs, overturning her dismissal from her job. Higgs had been fired in 2018 after sharing Facebook posts expressing biblical Christian views on gender ideology. The court determined that her employer violated her rights to freedom of religion and expression. This judgment establishes a legal precedent protecting employees from disciplinary action for sharing personal beliefs on social media outside of work hours. Higgs, supported by Christian Concern and the Christian Legal Centre, stated the decision safeguards the rights of Christians to express their faith publicly without fear of losing their employment. The ruling emphasizes that expressing religious beliefs is not inherently discriminatory.
The Myanmar military bombed a church in Chin State, severely damaging the building. The attack occurred shortly after the site was designated as a cathedral for a new diocese. No injuries were reported as the area had been evacuated. Local priests stated the community is determined to rebuild the church. This incident highlights the ongoing violence in Myanmar following the 2021 coup, which has displaced millions and caused thousands of civilian casualties. Cardinal Charles Maung Bo urged prayers for those affected by the conflict.
Nicaragua’s National Assembly approved constitutional reforms granting the president extensive legislative and judicial powers. A report highlights that while the new constitution nominally guarantees religious freedom, it allows the state to restrict activities under the guise of public order and preventing foreign control. Critics argue this ambiguity enables the government to persecute religious groups, citing recent property confiscations from Catholic orders in specific northern regions. The outlet compares this legal framework to authoritarian regimes, noting the reform provides unchecked authority to suppress dissent and religious practice, thereby threatening the liberty of believers across the country.
An aid organization released its annual report, stating that approximately 380 million Christians faced severe persecution or discrimination recently. This figure marks an increase from the previous year. The organization recorded thousands of Christian deaths linked to religious practice. Sub-Saharan Africa remains a major hotspot, with millions displaced by conflict. One country tops the list of the most restrictive nations, followed by others in the Middle East and Asia. The data relies on church networks and human rights lawyers, though the methodology faces criticism for its broad definition of persecution.
Over 400 Christian leaders in India issued a formal appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Draupadi Murmu, demanding an end to rising violence against Christians. The group cited more than 720 reported incidents of aggression, highlighting systemic issues such as the misuse of anti-conversion laws, hate speech by officials, and the crisis in Manipur. Signatories urged the government to ensure impartial investigations and protect religious freedoms, noting India's worsening rank on global persecution lists.
Boko Haram militants launched coordinated raids on Christian villages in northern Nigeria, displacing over 4,000 residents in late January 2025. The group burned homes and churches, killed five people, and forced survivors to convert to Islam under threat of death. Eyewitnesses reported the destruction of a local church and significant loss of livelihoods. The state governor condemned the violence and pledged to improve security measures for the affected communities. This escalation continues the insurgency that has displaced millions since 2009.
At least 47 people were killed in a Christmas Day attack in a village in Benue State, Nigeria, according to the local diocese. The Catholic Church reports that attackers burned eight churches, schools, and homes. This incident is part of a broader pattern of violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where tensions between Fulani herders and local communities have intensified. Since January 2024, nearly 150 people have died in the region, displacing over 14,000 residents. ACN notes that international media coverage of these attacks remains insufficient. The Catholic Church in Nigeria has urged the government to strengthen security and address the ongoing violence.
A Catholic priest in Erding, Bavaria, has been reported to authorities for suspected incitement to hatred and defamation. Martin Garmaier faced these allegations following his New Year's Eve sermon on December 31, in which he criticized AfD leader Alice Weidel for allegedly exploiting the Magdeburg Christmas market attack for anti-immigrant agitation. The complaint was filed by a retired police officer with local AfD ties. The Archdiocese of Munich and Freising described the situation as unprecedented. While officials have not yet reviewed the specific statements, they confirmed that Garmaier would receive legal support from the church if criminal proceedings commence. The local AfD branch stated the complainant is not a party member.
Pope Francis issued a pastoral letter to the people of Nicaragua on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, offering spiritual support during a period of intense political and religious tension. The pontiff encouraged the faithful to trust in God, asserting that faith and hope can achieve miracles. This message comes as the political situation deteriorates, with President Daniel Ortega recently amending the constitution to allow his wife to serve as co-president with control over all government branches. The Catholic Church faces ongoing oppression, including the expulsion of clergy and restrictions on sacraments, according to The Catholic Weekly.
A joint report by Article18, CSW, Open Doors, and Middle East Concern concludes that Georgian immigration authorities consistently refuse asylum claims from Iranian Christians. The findings are based on in-depth interviews with asylum-seekers and their legal representatives. The groups state that these individuals have well-founded fears of persecution if returned to Iran. Consequently, the applicants face significant risks. The report highlights a systemic issue in how Georgia handles these specific protection requests, ignoring the documented dangers these Christians face in their home country. This situation leaves vulnerable individuals without international protection despite their credible claims.
A watchdog group, OIDAC Europe, reports that anti-Christian hate crimes in Europe surged to 2,444 incidents in 2023. The data, compiled from 35 countries, shows a sharp rise from the previous year. France recorded nearly 1,000 incidents, mostly targeting churches and cemeteries. The United Kingdom saw a 15% increase, while Germany experienced a 105% jump. The report attributes many attacks to government actions and highlights rising violence against places of worship. It also notes restrictions on religious freedom and discrimination affecting Christians in public life and the workplace across the region.
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