Twelve US Franciscan provincial ministers wrote to Secretary of State Marco Rubio on July 9, requesting assistance to halt rising attacks by Israeli settlers against Christians in the West Bank. The group cited a June 16 letter and a subsequent State Department response, but decided to publicize their appeal due to continued violence, including arson in Taybeh that killed three people. Fr Lawrence Hayes stated the community fears eradication. The letter also highlighted concerns regarding humanitarian aid obstruction in Gaza, citing UN reports of attacks on aid workers and facilities.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
American blogger and Trump supporter Lumer visited the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra in Ukraine to document damage from a Russian drone strike on June 15. In a video posted to X, she highlighted broken windows and soot on religious icons, claiming the attack targeted images of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. Lumer criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for portraying Russia as a defender of Christianity while attacking historic monasteries. She also condemned US influencers who support Russia, arguing that such actions contradict claims of protecting Christian values. The outlet reports her observations regarding the structural and artistic damage inside the church.
A woman in her fifties was stabbed in the chest at Holy Cross church in Tramore, Ireland, on July 21. The attacker, identified as 36-year-old Niall Cummins, struck the victim while she was praying the Rosary with a group. Police report her condition is serious but not life-threatening. Cummins appeared before the Waterford District Court, where a judge ordered a psychiatric evaluation and adjourned the case. The Diocese of Waterford & Lismore expressed shock, praising the quick response of parishioners and emergency services. The church reopened for Mass shortly after the incident.
The Holy Family Parish in Gaza held a memorial mass on July 19, marking one year since an Israeli strike killed three people. Father Gabriel Romanelli led prayers for the victims and regional peace amid ongoing humanitarian crises. Although a ceasefire is in place, recent military operations have caused further deaths, and living conditions remain dire for nearly a million displaced residents. Despite widespread destruction of schools and infrastructure, Bishop William Shomali plans to reopen the parish school in September to help children recover from trauma. The event highlights the persistent challenges facing the Christian community in the region.
A Catholic archbishop in Syria advises displaced citizens against returning due to severe security and economic crises. He describes the nation as facing a humanitarian disaster, warning that the Christian population has plummeted, risking the faith's extinction in the region. The leader criticizes the current government and international actors for failing to ensure stability. Violence primarily targets specific religious minorities accused of collaborating with the former regime. The archbishop also highlights deteriorating medical care and food security, calling for concrete peace and reconstruction efforts to address the ongoing suffering of the population.
The superior of the Notre-Dame de Bellaigue Benedictine monastery in Auvergne, France, was kidnapped and held for two days before being found injured near Limoges. The incident occurred in late June 2026 after Father Placide sent a resignation email. French gendarmerie investigators believe the motive stems from internal tensions regarding the abbey's leadership. A group of former monks reportedly attempted to seize control of the community, which maintains traditional liturgical practices. The abbot was discovered with signs of physical assault, prompting a preliminary investigation into abduction and detention by local authorities.
Translated from FrançaisAlso reported by 3 outlets
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Ondrej Bocek on UnsplashPersecuted church
A global prayer initiative is organizing a collective event for Nigeria, citing thousands of Christian deaths in 2025. The movement urges believers to fast and pray as Islamic militants, including Boko Haram, continue attacks in northern Nigeria. A solemn assembly will take place in a major city, with a global fast running for a week. The group claims the death toll may reach 7,000 and describes the situation as critical for the nation's future. Reports indicate that sharia law in northern states contributes to the persecution of Christians.
On July 19, an angry mob in Medan City, Indonesia, forced Christ the Answer Tabernacle Pentecostal Church to close its worship service, citing a lack of building permits. The church has spent nearly nine years attempting to secure approval from local authorities, submitting numerous documents and seeking recommendations from the Interfaith Harmony Forum without success. Dedy Mauritz Simanjuntak of the Indonesian Christian Council criticized the prolonged denial and the lack of prosecution for those disrupting services, arguing that a small group should not override constitutional rights. The incident highlights ongoing difficulties for religious minorities in the region. (Source: International Christian Concern)
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.
RISU (Religious Information Service of Ukraine)·🇺🇦 Ukraine·
According to RISU, Donetsk Regional Military Administration head Vadym Filashkin reported that Russian strikes damaged multi-story buildings and a church in the Donetsk region. Approximately 500 people, including 45 children, were evacuated from the frontline area. Casualties were reported in Kramatorsk and Druzhkivka, with two deaths in each location. Infrastructure damage included private homes in several settlements, a destroyed vehicle in Sloviansk, and a damaged café in Ivirsk. The attacks targeted residential areas and religious sites across the region, prompting significant evacuations and resulting in injuries and fatalities among civilians.
German authorities are investigating a 16-year-old boy for allegedly planning a terrorist attack on a church in Hamm. The Düsseldorf General Prosecutor's Office confirmed the inquiry into supporting a terrorist organization, citing links to the Islamic State. Police arrested the suspect on April 2 after evidence of concrete plans emerged in early April. He reportedly observed the target building and attempted to ignite a hunting stand with a firework. The youth is currently in a forensic facility and deemed partially criminally responsible. The specific church remains unidentified to protect ongoing investigations.
Translated from DeutschAlso reported by 2 outlets
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Amelia Cui on UnsplashGood news
A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck central Peru, specifically the Junin department, early in the morning. The USGS recorded the tremor at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, with its epicenter near Sicaya. According to the National Institute of Civil Defense, at least six people died and more than 30 were injured, primarily in the Chongos Bajo district. The disaster caused significant damage to traditional adobe and quincha houses, leaving hundreds of families homeless. President-elect Keiko Fujimori urged the government to prioritize population safety and provide aid. The Peruvian government declared a state of emergency as rescue teams worked to save survivors from the rubble.
Translated from EspañolAlso reported by 1 other outlet
Christian leaders in Bangladesh organized a demonstration to express solidarity with believers facing persecution in neighboring India. Protesters gathered in the capital city to condemn recent violence against churches and congregants in the Indian state of West Bengal. These incidents, which began in early July, include the vandalism of a Presbyterian church site and physical assaults on worshippers. The president of the local Christian association called for impartial investigations into the violence. This event highlights growing regional concerns about the safety and religious minority rights of Christians across South Asia, emphasizing the need for security and justice for targeted communities.
A Fulani Christian convert in Plateau State, Nigeria, survived an armed assault by a local militia. The attackers attempted to steal livestock but retreated after neighbors raised the alarm. The victim reports that the group has killed at least six family members, including a pastor, since 2022. This incident reflects a broader wave of violence across Nigeria's Middle Belt, where armed groups have killed dozens recently. Human rights advocates are urging the U.S. government to designate these militias as terrorist organizations to facilitate international sanctions and intelligence sharing. The survivor seeks government protection rather than revenge for his community.
Archbishop Gallagher celebrated an outdoor Mass in Berdychiv, Ukraine, to mark the 35th anniversary of the Latin Church structure. The event drew over 3,000 faithful, including families and the elderly. The ceremony took place while Kyiv endured its heaviest Russian missile and drone strikes since the war began. The attacks targeted the capital and shook the nearby Apostolic Nunciature, forcing staff into shelters. Gallagher, accompanied by Apostolic Nuncio Visvaldas Kulbokas and Metropolitan Sviatoslav Shevchuk, urged believers to maintain hope and prayer. He emphasized that peace is a divine gift and encouraged trust in the Virgin Mary during the ongoing conflict. The gathering highlighted the resilience of the Ukrainian Catholic community amidst severe violence.
A deadly stampede occurred in Burundi following an evangelical gathering, according to InfoChrétienne. The outlet reports that a crush resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries among attendees. The incident highlights safety concerns at large religious events in the region. Specific details regarding the exact location within Burundi or the number of casualties were not provided in the brief report. The news source urges readers to create an account to access the full story and other Christian news updates.
At least eight people died and nine were injured on July 18 in Bujumbura, Burundi, during a stampede at the end of an evangelical rally led by preacher Chris Ndikumana. Police confirmed the casualties following the incident at the Kamenge Technical School. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as thousands of attendees tried to exit simultaneously late at night. The Burundian police reported the deaths, while organizers remained silent. This tragedy highlights recurring safety issues at large religious gatherings in Africa, following similar fatal incidents in Tanzania and Liberia in recent years.
One year after an Israeli strike killed three people and wounded parish priest Gabriele Romanelli, the Catholic parish in Gaza held a prayer service on July 19, 2026. UNICEF spokesperson James Elder described the ceasefire as an illusion, noting over 1,000 deaths in nine months. The region faces severe humanitarian challenges, including destroyed infrastructure and fuel prices reaching 27 dollars per liter. Bishop William Shomali reported that while aid is limited, the Latin Patriarchate plans to reopen a school in September to help children recover from war trauma.
A strong earthquake struck the Junín region of Peru on the night of July 18, killing at least five people and injuring more than twenty. In Chongos Bajo, the roof and facade of St. James the Apostle parish church collapsed, though a statue of the Virgin Mary remained intact, according to Father Henry Díaz. The National Civil Defense Institute located the epicenter in Chupaca province. The bishops expressed solidarity with victims, while the priest requested government aid to rebuild the historic site, estimating costs exceeding seven million soles. Additionally, a 16th-century cross in the town square was destroyed.
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