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Monday, November 9, 2026 Updated 7:13 PM Central Time 1226 stories

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Stories about this topic, from the outlets we read.

Persecuted church

Senior Cleric Visits Families After Church Attack

Orthodox Times Jordan

A senior Orthodox patriarch visited the families of victims following a terrorist attack on a church in a city in Jordan. Accompanied by clergy, he offered condolences and assured the relatives that the church hierarchy would continue to support them. The patriarch emphasized that faith provides strength during suffering and promised ongoing prayers at holy sites and in churches worldwide. He highlighted the unity of the church family and the hope found in the Resurrection. The visit concluded with prayers for comfort, strength, and protection for the country and its people.

Illustrative photo: city skyline during day time
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Iwona Castiello d'Antonio on Unsplash
Persecuted church

Poland in shock after deadly attack in Krakow

La Croix Poland

Poland is reeling from a terrorist attack in Krakow on Saturday, November 7, which left at least six people dead and sixteen injured. Among the victims is a British citizen. The incident has triggered a national mourning period, with flags flown at half-mast and television screens displaying black banners. Conservative newspaper Rzeczpospolita reported that the country feels the event marks the end of an era previously defined by peace. The widespread shock reflects a sudden shift in the national sense of security following the violence.

Translated from Français

Persecuted church

Russian strikes destroy women's monastery in Komyshuvakha

RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine) Ukraine

Russian forces have reduced a women's monastery of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) in Komyshuvakha, Zaporizhzhia region, to ruins. Soldiers from the 65th Separate Mechanized Brigade shared video of the devastation, noting that personal items and uneaten food remained inside. Press officer Serhiy Skibchik described the scene as haunting, with the scent of incense lingering amidst broken windows. The attack occurred on the morning of November 2, when Russia dropped nine aviation bombs, including FAB-3000s, on the settlement. Rescue workers recovered 55 bodies from the rubble of an underground school, with search operations continuing.

Translated from Українська

Persecuted church

Polish bishops mourn Krakow shooting victims and urge unity

cath.ch Poland

Following a mass shooting in Krakow, Poland, on November 7, 2026, which left six people dead and approximately fifteen injured, church leaders have expressed deep sorrow. Cardinal Grzegorz Ryś, the Archbishop of Krakow, called for a memorial mass to honor the victims. The incident involved a 24-year-old Polish national who opened fire on pedestrians. The Catholic media outlet Cath-Info reported that the bishops are urging the faithful to remain united during this difficult time. This event marks a significant tragedy for the local community and the wider church in Poland.

Translated from Français

Persecuted church

UK Christian Festival Cancelled After Sign Collapse Kills One

Evangelico Digital United Kingdom

The Big Church Festival in the United Kingdom was suspended after a large wooden sign collapsed on attendees at Wiston Park in Sussex. The incident, which occurred on Friday afternoon, resulted in the death of 41-year-old Robert Guanco, a pastor from Eastbourne, and left six people injured. Four victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Organizers attributed the accident to strong winds and expressed devastation over the tragedy. The event, considered the largest Christian gathering in the country, was scheduled to run until Sunday but was immediately cancelled following the accident. Local authorities and emergency services responded to the scene.

Translated from Español

Persecuted church

Polish bishops call for prayer after six killed in Krakow shooting

Catholic News Agency Poland

Polish Catholic leaders urged unity and prayer after a gunman killed six people in Kraków’s Main Market Square on Saturday. Cardinal Grzegorz Ryś invited the faithful to a Mass at St. Mary’s Basilica, stating that hatred must not have the final word. Police detained a man in his mid-20s from Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski after he fired from a vehicle, wounding sixteen others. Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński said the suspect held radical far-right views, while Prime Minister Donald Tusk classified the event as terrorism. President Karol Nawrocki declared national mourning for November 8 and 9. Other bishops, including Primate Wojciech Polak, expressed solidarity and grief over the attack near the historic basilica.

Also reported by 5 outlets

Persecuted church

Jordanian Speaker Visits Church After Attack

jo24.net Jordan

A Jordanian parliamentary official and other leaders visited a church in a village in southern Jordan on Sunday. This marked the first visit by the parliamentary office to the site following a terrorist attack. The delegation met with local clergy, victims' families, and community members. The speaker stated that the assault on the church was an attack on all of Jordan. He emphasized national unity under the Hashemite leadership and declared that the country remains resilient against extremism. The visit aimed to show solidarity with the residents and honor the martyrs, reinforcing the message that the nation stands together against terrorism. (Source: jo24.net)

Translated from العربيةAlso reported by 1 other outlet

Persecuted church

Dominican Evangelical Leaders Demand Independent Probe Into Child Abuse Case

Evangelico Digital Dominican Republic

Evangelical leaders in the Dominican Republic have called for an independent investigation into the abuse scandal involving the Fundación Restaurando Vidas in Haina. Authorities detained two men after rescuing 14 minors from poor conditions. While some media labeled the main suspect as a pastor, Christian organizations clarified he has no formal ties to the evangelical church. Groups like CODUE and the Alianza Evangélica Dominicana seek to prevent religious stigmatization and ensure transparency. They also emphasized the state's responsibility to supervise such facilities and urged stricter protocols to protect vulnerable children from exploitation.

Translated from Español

Persecuted church

Cracow massacre: Poland mourns after market square shooting

famigliacristiana.it Poland

Poland observes a national day of silence and prayer in Cracow following a shooting at the Main Market Square on November 7. The attack killed six people, including a British citizen, and injured fifteen others. Prime Minister Donald Tusk condemned the incident as terrorism, noting it is the most severe case of its kind in Polish history. Police arrested 24-year-old Michał Oksiński, who was found to have killed his family members at his home. Cardinal Grzegorz Ryś led a memorial service, urging unity. Two police officers who stopped the gunman are hospitalized, with one in critical condition.

Translated from Italiano

Persecuted church

Australian pastors report death threats; NYC Bible pages torn

Evangelico Digital Australia

According to The Christian Post, Andrew and Noleen Sedra, a pastoral couple in Sydney, Australia, reported that masked activists attacked their home on September 3. The intruders cut power, threatened to kill the family, and mentioned a newborn baby. The couple, who oppose same-sex relationships and abortion, plan to relocate due to safety concerns. Separately, an incident occurred in New York City on September 12, where a transgender artist tore pages from a Bible during a counter-protest marking the 11th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Police were present but did not intervene in the New York event.

Translated from Español

Persecuted church

Poland mourns after Krakow shooting kills six

DOMRADIO.DE Poland

Poland has begun two days of state mourning following a shooting in Krakow that left six people dead. President Karol Nawrocki declared the attack an unprecedented act of terrorism. The gunman, identified as a 24-year-old Pole, fired from a car at Main Market Square, killing four women and two men, including a British citizen. Fifteen others were injured, some critically. Police shot the attacker dead after he also severely wounded two officers. Authorities confirmed the shooter also killed his parents and sister at his home. Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Cardinal Grzegorz Rys urged national unity and condemned the violence. A memorial service is planned for Sunday.

Translated from DeutschAlso reported by 12 outlets

Persecuted church

Shooting in Krakow kills six and injures fifteen near Main Market Square

Vatican News (Portugues) Poland

A gunman opened fire indiscriminately in Krakow, Poland, killing at least six people and injuring fifteen others, including two police officers, in the historic Main Market Square. The attacker, identified as a Polish national acting alone, was wounded during a confrontation with security forces and underwent surgery. Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed an investigation is underway, while President Karol Nawrocki expressed condolences. Cardinal Grzegorz Ryś and Archbishop Tadeusz Wojda condemned the violence, urging unity and rejecting hatred. A memorial Mass is scheduled for November 8 at St. Mary's Basilica to honor the victims and support the injured.

Translated from PortuguêsAlso reported by 8 outlets

Persecuted church

Book Review Highlights Global Christian Persecution in Nigeria and Beyond

indcatholicnews.com Nigeria

A review examines a book detailing modern Christian persecution across several nations. The text cites attacks by militant groups in northern Nigeria, where villages were ravaged and students were killed. It also mentions a bishop attributing deaths to faith-based violence. Additional examples include the assassination of a government minister in Pakistan and the recognition of a local parishioner as a Servant of God. The review notes that an aid organization supports victims, while an editor’s note adds that Christians in the Holy Land face displacement and attacks. The outlet urges readers to acknowledge these realities rather than ignore them.

Persecuted church

Brazilian lawyer recounts terror during Poland shooting attack

globo.com Poland

Brazilian lawyer Ruthiane Basilio witnessed a shooting in Krakow, Poland, on Saturday, March 7. She was inside a church when gunfire erupted in the main square, killing six people and injuring 15. Basilio told G1 that she initially mistook the shots for fireworks but realized the danger when her companion spoke in English. Police arrested a 24-year-old Polish man who used a long gun. The suspect is hospitalized. Basilio stated she is safe but shaken by the event. Authorities are investigating the motive behind the attack that targeted the crowd.

Translated from Português

Persecuted church

Polish bishops call for prayer after six killed in Krakow shooting

crossmap.com Poland

Polish Catholic bishops have issued a call for prayer following a deadly shooting in Krakow. The incident occurred in the city's historic square, where a gunman killed six people. The attack has shocked the community, prompting religious leaders to urge spiritual reflection and solidarity among the faithful. This event highlights ongoing concerns regarding public safety in Poland's major urban centers. The bishops' response underscores the role of the church in providing comfort during times of national tragedy.

Persecuted church

Krakow Cardinal Calls for Unity After Shooting Tragedy

Magyar Kurir Hungary

Krakow Cardinal Grzegorz Ryś addressed the faithful following a shooting in Krakow, Poland, that left five people dead and more than ten injured. According to the Krakow Archdiocese Press Office, the Cardinal described the event as an act of violence and hatred. He urged the community to stand together with victims and their families, offering prayers for the deceased and healing for the wounded. Ryś announced a special Mass for Sunday at 4 p.m. at the Main Square's Marienkirche to express solidarity and protest against hatred. He emphasized that human weakness invites God's strength and hope.

Translated from Magyar

Persecuted church

Polish Bishops' Conference President Offers Prayers After Krakow Attack

TK KBS Poland

Archbishop Tadeusz Wojda SAC, head of the Polish Bishops' Conference, issued a statement following a violent incident in Krakow on November 7. He expressed deep shock at the brutality of the attack near St. Mary's Basilica, a popular public space. While the motives remain unknown, Wojda offered spiritual support and prayers for the victims, the injured in hospitals, the deceased, their families, medical staff, and police forces working to restore order. The statement emphasizes solidarity and requests divine peace for the departed and healing for those recovering from the trauma.

Translated from Slovenčina

Persecuted church

Suspected Militia Advance Toward Communities in Plateau State

Truth Nigeria Nigeria

Residents in a village in Plateau State, Nigeria, report that suspected Fulani militia members are advancing toward vulnerable communities in the region. This alert follows the destruction of farms and the hospitalization of a local man after an attack. Despite reporting the incidents to the Nigerian Army, no arrests or compensation have been provided. On a recent date, suspicious lights were sighted near the village, raising fears of further violence. The Army’s 3 Division is stationed in the area. Authorities urge residents to remain vigilant, avoid confrontation, and report suspicious movements immediately to security forces.

Persecuted church

Four French men allege racist mob attack in Rouen

nypost.com France

Four young white men in Rouen, France, allege they were beaten unconscious by a group of teenagers last Saturday. The victims say the attackers, dressed in black, targeted them for singing Catholic-themed songs. The group filed complaints with local prosecutors for violence motivated by race and religion. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage as the mayor and the local Diocese condemn the assault. The incident highlights rising tensions in the city, where similar attacks have reportedly occurred recently.

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