Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzabala, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, visited Taybeh in the West Bank on August 15 to celebrate Mass with the local Christian community. The village is the only fully Christian town in the region and has faced intimidation and attacks attributed to Israeli settlers. During the homily, the cardinal urged the faithful to remain steadfast in faith and promised to preserve the Church's presence in the area. The visit highlights ongoing tensions and insecurity for Palestinians, including recent military closures and incidents in nearby Beit Sahour, as reported by the Latin Patriarchate.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by José Castillo on UnsplashPersecuted church
Ayuda a la Iglesia Necesitada (ACN) is launching REDWEEK 2026 in November to raise awareness about religious persecution. The initiative involves illuminating hundreds of churches and monuments in red across countries including Austria, Germany, Ireland, Australia, and Spain. Regina Lynch, ACN’s executive president, states the campaign aims to highlight the deterioration of religious freedom and support millions of Christians facing discrimination. Events include vigils, testimonies, and conferences featuring leaders from Iraq, Nigeria, and Pakistan. The European Parliament in Strasbourg will also participate, emphasizing that religious liberty is a fundamental human right. (Source: Ayuda a la Iglesia Necesitada)
In Turkey, Catholic priests face significant challenges serving a Christian population that represents only 0.1 percent of the total inhabitants. A priest, who receives stipends from Aid to the Church in Need, explains that there are too few clergy members to reach everyone. Despite these limitations, each Mass and encounter with the faithful holds special value. The organization supports these priests, allowing them to continue their pastoral work in a region where Christians are a distinct minority. This assistance helps maintain religious services in an area with limited ecclesiastical resources.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Aaron Burden on UnsplashPersecuted church
Monseñor Joseph Gontrand Decoste, bishop of Jeremie in Haiti, describes the Catholic Church as the final moral and spiritual barrier against escalating gang violence. With armed groups controlling up to 90% of Port-au-Prince and key departments, the Church faces severe threats, including the closure of dozens of parishes and attacks on clergy. Recent incidents include the murder of two nuns in Mirebalais and the kidnapping of priests. Despite these dangers, the Church continues to provide aid, education, and spiritual support to displaced populations, relying on organizations like Aid to the Church in Need for sustenance and protection.
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A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, killing at least 169 people and injuring over 600. The epicenter was located in a region of Chocó province, with significant damage reported in several cities. The Ayuda a la Iglesia Necesitada (ACN) foundation has approved emergency funding to support affected Christian communities. Local bishops confirmed structural damage to several churches, including the collapse of a tower at a major cathedral. ACN leadership stated that multiple regions are seriously affected, prompting immediate solidarity efforts and ongoing assessments by local dioceses to aid the persecuted believers impacted by the disaster.
The Pontifical Foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) is organizing REDWEEK 2026 in Spain from November 16 to 22. During this campaign, cathedrals and monuments across the country will be lit in red to raise awareness about the persecution of Christians worldwide. The initiative highlights that approximately 413 million Christians live in regions where religious freedom is severely restricted. The central event, Red Wednesday, occurs on November 18. ACN states the red lighting symbolizes the blood of martyrs and solidarity with suffering believers. The campaign also includes prayer vigils and testimonies to inform the public about these global challenges.
A religious brother from the De La Salle congregation informed ACN that the Catholic Church in Cuba remains active despite severe economic hardship and shortages. He emphasized the urgent need to train pastoral agents to serve rural areas and neighborhoods, as older clergy have passed away and new members lack sufficient formation. While many citizens feel hopeless and seek to emigrate, the Church continues to provide spiritual support and material aid. The brother noted that evangelical churches often offer more frequent services, which has drawn some Catholic faithful away, highlighting the necessity for a better Catholic pastoral presence.
Nazila Ghanea, the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion, issued a message to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) ahead of the International Day of Remembrance of Victims of Religious Violence on August 22. She emphasized that violations of this fundamental right occur globally, affecting Christians, Muslims, and Bahá'ís. Ghanea called on civil society to play a crucial role in denouncing abuses and supporting victims. The statement aligns with ACN’s manifesto, which has gathered over 32,500 signatures urging governments to protect religious liberty. The rapporteur stressed the urgent need to coordinate efforts to safeguard this human right worldwide.
Ten years after the 2016 killing of Father Jacques Hamel in Saint-Étienne-du-Rouvray, France, the Catholic Church continues to recognize his death as martyrdom. The priest was stabbed by Islamic extremists during Mass. The cause's postulator, Father Paul Vigouroux, confirmed to ACN that the murder was committed out of hatred for the faith, a fact supported by French police investigations. Pope Francis previously declared Hamel a martyr. The Church is also reviewing medical evidence regarding a potential miracle for beatification, while pilgrims continue to visit his grave in Normandy.
On July 14, 2026, a dispute over the Arnona municipal property tax in Jerusalem intensified. Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas wrote to Pope Leo XIV and other leaders to protest the tax on church assets in East Jerusalem. According to Ayuda a la Iglesia Necesitada, Bishop William Shomali of the Latin Patriarchate warned that taxing religious, educational, and social institutions could threaten their operations. The controversy highlights historical exemptions dating back to 1901. While lucrative activities might face back taxes, churches seek to maintain exemptions for purely religious sites. The situation recalls a 2018 protest at the Holy Sepulchre.
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Mexican bishops issued a statement marking the centenary of the Calles Law, arguing that religious freedom in Mexico remains incomplete due to ongoing restrictions on public worship and education. The episcopate highlighted the threat of organized crime, which has led to the murders of priests. According to the bishops, state inaction allows criminal groups to control territories and silence religious leaders. This aligns with ACN's report, which notes increased discrimination and violence against clergy in the country. The bishops emphasize that while legal frameworks exist, practical implementation is hindered by security challenges and societal pressures affecting believers across the nation.
A prominent aid organization highlights the successful return of Christians to a region in northern Iraq after ISIS defeat as a potential model for Nigeria. In a state in central Nigeria, over two million displaced people, mostly Christians, face violence from militants. While the government proposes resettlement, local clergy argue for returning to ancestral lands to avoid demographic changes. The organization notes that in Iraq, over half of displaced persons returned between 2017 and 2019. They suggest similar cooperation between the Nigerian government and the Church could restore dignity and social fabric in regions affected by conflict.
ACN reports that vandalism at a sanctuary in Bosnia and Herzegovina is part of a global surge in attacks on Christian places of worship. The incident, which included desecration and fire damage, joins similar events in countries like Spain, France, Italy, Colombia, and Nicaragua. These attacks range from thefts and arson to violent drone strikes in Colombia that killed a child. ACN and religious experts warn that religious freedom is increasingly threatened, even in predominantly Christian nations, prompting calls for better protection of sacred sites.
A senior church leader warns that Christians in Iraq will not return home unless full citizenship rights are guaranteed. He stated that structural reforms are needed to address violence, joblessness, and property confiscation by militias. Since the early 2000s, the Christian population in the country has dropped significantly. The leader argues that separating religion from politics is essential for a modern state. He also highlighted progress in interreligious dialogue with Muslim leaders to reduce hate speech in mosques, emphasizing the need for legal protections to ensure safety and equality for all citizens.
A Franciscan priest from Syria reported to ACN that insecurity and discrimination against Christians have worsened since the regime change. Economic hardship and unemployment have driven crime, including kidnappings and thefts. The priest highlighted attacks on Christian sites, such as a church bombing in a major city, and cemetery destruction. Despite these challenges, the Christian community remains resilient, relying on parish support and aid from organizations like ACN to maintain their faith and daily lives in various regions across the country.
Kyiv endured a severe seven-hour bombardment on July 10, 2026, causing significant casualties and infrastructure damage. Apostolic Nuncio Monsignor Visvaldas Kulbokas described the attacks as deliberate destruction rather than collateral damage, noting that buildings remain filled with victims under rubble. He emphasized that each strike destroys new lives. Auxiliary Bishop Oleksandr Yazlovetskyi highlighted the psychological toll and the inadequacy of current safety measures. Both clerics urged international support, describing the conflict as a spiritual crisis. Emergency teams continue rescue efforts while civilians face widespread exhaustion and fear for the coming winter.
Father Gabriel Romanelli and Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa report that Gaza faces a severe humanitarian crisis one thousand days after the conflict began. According to Vatican News, the clergy denounce the death of over 20,000 children, widespread malnutrition, and the collapse of basic infrastructure. Despite a ceasefire, residents lack clean water, electricity, and medical care. The small Christian community has lost 60 members, many due to lack of healthcare. The leaders urge the world to address the suffering and work toward a just peace for the displaced population in the Palestinian territory.
A 61-year-old Catholic man died in a hospital in Pakistan after months of detention on blasphemy charges. Medical experts determined he suffered from advanced dementia and was unfit for trial, yet authorities denied bail. His family and legal team reported physical abuse and severe medical neglect while he was held at a local jail. A representative of a Christian advocacy group condemned the lack of care. The funeral was held at a local church, presided over by a senior archbishop. The case has intensified international criticism regarding the misuse of blasphemy laws and the treatment of vulnerable detainees in the country.
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