Islamic extremists

The Latest

Turkish police stand guard outside the scene of an armed attack at a Catholic church in Istanbul, Turkey, on Jan. 28, 2024.

Islamic State claims responsibility for attack on Catholic church in Istanbul

Jan 29, 2024

By Courtney Mares

Two suspects described as members of the Islamic State group have been arrested following the shooting at Santa Maria Church... Read more

Olive harvest season in the southern border town of Rmeish, Lebanon, in the midst of a crisis situation.

Almost all Christians have fled southern Lebanon amid Israel-Hezbollah bombing

Dec 21, 2023

By Joe Bukuras

Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Shia militant group in Lebanon, began attacking Israel at the Israeli-Lebanese border following the beginning of the... Read more

Military personnel stand guard at the entrance of a gymnasium while police investigators look for evidence after a bomb attack at a Catholic Mass at Mindanao State University in Marawi, Lanao del sur province in the southern Philippines on Dec. 3, 2023. At least three people were killed and seven wounded, officials said.

At least three killed in explosion during Mass on Philippine campus

Dec 3, 2023

By Shannon Mullen

Authorities are investigating whether Islamic insurgents were responsible for the blast. Read more

A crucifix which was destroyed during an attack on St. Kisito minor seminary in Bougui, Burkina Faso, Feb. 10, 2022.

Missionary priest: ‘Immense’ pastoral work needed amid anti-Christian violence in Burkina Faso

Aug 30, 2023

By Daniel Payne

Father Pierre Rouamba told Aid to the Church in Need that his group has been working at “systematically opening doors... Read more

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5-year-old beheaded, 33 killed in Nigeria; Christian foundation calls for action

Apr 20, 2023

By Agnes Aineah

A 5-year-old boy was reportedly beheaded when Islamists attacked a village in southern Kaduna State, leaving dozens of people dead. Read more

Janada Marcus, 22, was forced to flee Boko Haram with her family twice before the terrorists attacked them again, killing her father and kidnapping her.

‘My parishioners shot dead in cold blood’: Priests, lay faithful describe attacks in Nigeria

Mar 8, 2023

By Peter Pinedo

Aid to the Church in Need has released firsthand testimonies of Catholic faithful who have survived torture, kidnappings, and massacres. Read more

Map of the Democratic Republic of Congo

Islamic State bombs church service in Congo

Jan 16, 2023

By Courtney Mares

At least 10 people were killed and more than three dozen injured in the terrorist attack on a church in... Read more

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Dozens still in captivity after Christmas Day attack in Nigeria, Catholic priest says

Jan 11, 2023

By Jude Atemanke

On Christmas Day 2022, militant Fulani herdsmen and other terrorists attacked Angwan Aku village, reportedly killing one person and abducting... Read more

Map of Nigeria.

Nigerian musician files lawsuit with Supreme Court challenging blasphemy conviction

Dec 16, 2022

By Jonah McKeown

ADF International says the appeal has the potential to overturn Northern Nigeria’s blasphemy laws. Read more

Pope Francis met Nobel Peace Prize winner Denis Mukwege on Dec. 9, 2022.

Pope Francis meets Nobel Peace Prize winner Denis Mukwege ahead of Congo trip

Dec 9, 2022

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis met Friday with Nobel Peace Prize winner Denis Mukwege, a Congolese physician known for his work treating victims... Read more

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‘Rising Islamist extremism’  spreading across globe, says report

Dec 1, 2022

By Peter Pinedo

Aid to the Church in Need found that as a result of increased jihadist activity, persecution of Christians along the... Read more

Angelus address on June 12, 2022

Pope Francis prays for victims of deadly Islamic terrorist attack in Somalia

Oct 30, 2022

By Courtney Mares

Somalia’s president said that at least 100 people were killed in the terrorist attack. Read more

Fr. Jacques Hamel.

Six years after grisly murder, France remembers Father Jacques Hamel

Jul 26, 2022

By Kevin J. Jones

Hamel was killed at the church on July 26, 2016, by supporters of the Islamic State group as he finished... Read more

Fr. Rhoel Gallardo (1965-2000).

Sainthood cause opened for Filipino priest killed by Islamists in 2000

May 7, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

Fr. Rhoel Gallardo died after being held for 43 days by the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group. Read more

Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah.

Christians in Nigeria are essentially 'target practice' – here's one bishop's response

Sep 16, 2016

By Adelaide Mena

For Bishop Matthew Kukah, persecution is not just the history of the Church. It’s a reality that he lives every... Read more

Cardinal Schönborn.

Cardinal Schönborn warns of 'Islamic conquest' of Europe

Sep 14, 2016

Cardinal Christoph Schönborn has warned that Europe risks forfeiting its “Christian inheritance” and that an “Islamic conquest” could be in... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square during the Wednesday General Audience May 28, 2014.

Bangladesh attack an offense against God, humanity, Pope Francis says

Jul 2, 2016

By Elise Harris

Pope Francis has again voiced his sorrow for another “barbarous” terrorist attack, offering his prayers for the families and victims... Read more

Ten-year-old Sema was captured by Boko Haram and held captive for eight months.

Two years after Boko Haram's schoolgirl kidnappings, has anything changed?

Apr 14, 2016

Two years ago, radical Islamists with the militant group Boko Haram stormed a school in Chibok, Nigeria, kidnapping 276 teen... Read more

Jihadist silhouette.

The beheading of 21 Egyptian Christians was 'just the beginning'

Dec 22, 2015

By Elise Harris

While the days of the Muslim Brotherhood are over, one expert says the February murder of 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians... Read more

View of St. Peter's Basilica.

Vatican shocked over Paris terror attacks, calls for global response

Nov 13, 2015

After Friday evening's devastating terror attacks throughout Paris that are reported to have claimed over 100 lives, the Vatican voiced... Read more