Bishop Michael Otieno Odiwa of Homa Bay, Kenya, urged a reciprocal Fidei Donum missionary model during a convention at the Golgotha Centre for Evangelization. He stated that African churches must transition from receiving priests to sending their own clergy to support dioceses in need. The bishop emphasized that this cycle builds a self-reliant church and enriches receiving communities. He challenged priests to serve selflessly, regardless of resource availability, and to view missionary service as a genuine gift requiring personal sacrifice. The bishop also encouraged regular retreats to renew priestly commitment and love for ministry.
U.S. Congresswoman Nancy Mace and former Representative Matt Gaetz have criticized major media outlets for ignoring religious violence in Nigeria. Mace stated that over 52,000 Christians have been killed and millions displaced in recent decades. Gaetz cited a 2026 USCIRF report claiming 52,000 murders and noting that media coverage often omits victims' faith. The USCIRF report described a terrifying crisis, while an Intersociety report noted 19,100 churches destroyed since 2009. These lawmakers argue that mainstream silence denies the scale of persecution affecting Christian communities in the West African nation.
A representative of Aid to the Church in Need emphasized that Christians facing violence in Nigeria are not alone. Speaking to ACI Africa, he highlighted intensifying persecution in the Middle Belt, particularly in Benue State. The organization released a report noting that killings and abductions have caused significant displacement. The official explained that while banditry and resource competition contribute to the crisis, religious motives are also present, as kidnappers often demand faith conversion. He emphasized the need for psychological support and urged governments to uphold religious freedom rights under international law. (Source: ACI Africa)
A report by Aid to the Church in Need states that militant groups control at least 40% of Burkina Faso, severely restricting Christian worship. The document highlights incidents in specific dioceses, where a bishop noted a human shield incident protecting a priest. The charity says extremists have killed hundreds of believers, including men in a specific village, and forced displacement of thousands. The report ranks Burkina Faso second globally on terrorism indices, noting a sharp deterioration in interreligious harmony since 2015. (Source: ACI Africa)
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Rohan Reddy on UnsplashPersecuted church
Fr. Charles Kitima, Secretary General of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference, called for national repentance following the deadly protests after Tanzania’s disputed 2025 election. Speaking at a memorial mass in Dar-es-Salaam, he urged Tanzanians to seek God’s forgiveness for the violence that claimed hundreds of lives. Reports indicate at least 518 deaths, including security officers and children, with injuries exceeding 2,000. Kitima warned that pride and a lack of respect for human life threaten the nation’s future. He emphasized the need for humility, unity, and a return to the country’s history of peace and fraternity under former President Julius Nyerere. The event aimed to heal divisions and prevent further loss of life.
A religious alumni association in Ethiopia has urged prayers for peace as conflicts intensify in several northern and western regions. The country's president called for civilian protection and humanitarian access, citing ongoing insecurity in the Horn of Africa. Meanwhile, renewed violence in the Oromia region has resulted in dozens of deaths and clashes near border areas, displacing thousands into neighboring Kenya. In the Tigray region, fighting continues between federal forces and local militias, with reports of territorial gains by both sides. The association emphasized the need for dialogue, justice, and reconciliation to address these unresolved tensions.
Caritas Zambia is training youth leaders in seven districts of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kasama to prevent gender-based violence. Supported by UNFPA Zambia, the initiative equips participants with skills to engage local authorities and strengthen social accountability mechanisms. The program uses peer-to-peer learning to help young people advocate for community needs and raise awareness about GBV. The organization states that youth-led groups are driving change through evidence-based advocacy. This effort addresses a major human rights issue in Zambia, where surveys indicate high rates of physical violence against women due to harmful social norms and gender inequalities.
Catholic leaders across Africa are prioritizing rigorous vetting and high-quality formation as priestly vocations rise. Data indicates the continent’s Catholic population has grown significantly, surpassing Europe’s numbers. Senior clergy emphasize the need for careful discernment, trained formators, and safeguarding measures to ensure spiritual maturity. Experts warn against focusing solely on numerical growth at the expense of candidate development. Leaders also advocate for stronger lay catechesis to deepen faith commitment throughout the region. This approach aims to balance the surge in seminarians with the necessity of robust, holistic preparation for future ministry, ensuring the Church’s long-term health and integrity amid expanding membership.
Caritas Rwanda conducted a malaria awareness campaign from October 25 to 29 in four sectors with high infection rates. The initiative focused on Nkanka and Bushenge sectors, as well as Boneza and Mushubati sectors. Officials state the goal was to encourage residents to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and seek early treatment. Activities included community assemblies and Umuganda work sessions to explain transmission and prevention. The campaign also introduced Rwanda’s Multiple First-Line Therapies strategy to combat drug resistance. This effort aligns with national health strategies that target interventions based on local transmission levels, aiming to reduce the country's malaria incidence.
Aid to the Church in Need released a report detailing how terrorist groups are expanding across parts of Africa. The study highlights several nations in the Sahel and Sub-Saharan regions as key areas where Christians face disproportionate persecution. According to the report, jihadist affiliates target Christian communities through kidnappings, killings, and church destruction. The findings indicate a geographical shift in global terrorism, with many of the most affected countries located on the continent. ACN notes that weak governance allows extremists to exploit religious divisions, severely impacting Christian populations in these regions.
The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference launched a new Technical and Vocational Education and Training strategy on October 27 in Ghana. The policy aims to equip young people with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship. Bishop Joseph Kwaku Afrifah-Agyekum stated the initiative strengthens Catholic institutions to meet emerging needs. He emphasized that education forms the whole person, including character and conscience. Bishop Emmanuel Kofi Fianu stressed that implementation is crucial for the policy's success. The bishops called for collaboration among the Church, government, and industry partners to ensure the strategy effectively supports national development and youth opportunities.
Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu blessed the foundation stone for the new headquarters of the Catholic Biblical Centre for Africa and Madagascar (BICAM) in Nairobi, Kenya, on October 19. The event occurred during the second session of the Standing Committee for 2026 of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM). According to a SECAM communiqué shared with ACI Africa, the meeting took place from October 18 to 22. BICAM coordinates biblical apostolate activities and promotes Bible translation into African languages across the continent. The Centre is currently directed by Fr. Anselm Kamuyu of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi. Participants also reviewed SECAM’s action plan and discussed social realities in Africa.
The Jesuit Refugee Service reports that recommendations from 3,118 Ethiopian youth have been submitted to the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission. The initiative, called the Peace Artisans Project and implemented with Live for Generation, used university circles and digital platforms to foster dialogue across ethnic and religious divides. Participants compiled their insights into the Youth Voices Agenda to influence national decision-making. The project aims to build mutual understanding and reduce polarization among students from regions including Amhara, Tigray, and Oromia. According to the outlet, the effort facilitates critical thinking and reconciliation by allowing young people to share experiences and challenge mistrustful narratives.
Catholic leaders across the continent responded to new statistics showing the African Catholic population has surpassed Europe's total. Bishops from several nations described this growth as a missionary opportunity rather than a competition. They attributed the increase to strong family bonds, dedicated catechists, and active pastoral presence. The leaders emphasized a fraternal exchange, noting that while Africa receives gifts from other churches, it now shares its own vocations and faith witness with the universal Church. This demographic shift highlights the region's spiritual vitality and its growing role in global Christianity.
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