A recent report from Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), a Catholic charity, has revealed that persecution of Christians has significantly worsened between 2022 and 2024.
The report, released in October, highlights 18 countries where Christians face increasing violence and oppression. The data shows a rising danger in places like Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Militant Islamist violence has escalated in African nations such as Nigeria, Burkina Faso and Mozambique. Christians in these regions continue to suffer attacks, with extremist groups committing massacres during Christian holidays. Nigerian Christians remain a particular target of Fulani militants, who launched deadly attacks during Christmas 2023 and Easter 2024.
In Nicaragua, the Ortega regime has intensified its crackdown on the Church, expelling clergy, confiscating Church property and banning religious celebrations. Numerous priests and bishops have been imprisoned, with some forced into exile.
Meanwhile, in China, the Communist Party has tightened control over religious communities. New regulations require religious leaders to promote “socialist core values,” while priests who refuse government directives face imprisonment.
Please pray for Christian communities across the globe experiencing these growing threats! 🙏
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