persecution

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Burkinabé soldiers patrol in Ouagadougou after the January 2022 coup.

Persecution of Christians worldwide has gotten worse, papal charity report says

Oct 22, 2024

By Jonah McKeown

The Aid to the Church in Need report, which covers August 2022 to June 2024, states that human rights violations... Read more

A Christian woman stands next to a clothesline while taking refuge in an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp at the Pilot Primary School after their houses were burnt as a result of religious strife in Mangu on Feb. 2, 2024, following weeks of intercommunal violence and unrest in the Plateau State.

Christian watchdog calls on U.S. to recognize persecution of Christians in Nigeria

Jul 23, 2024

By Kate Quiñones

“The outcry of Nigerian Christians is falling on deaf ears. It is time for the United States to answer their... Read more

An archaeological guide provided historical information and answered questions during a visit to the catacombs by delegates of the Synod on Synodality. Early Christians gathered within the catacombs for funeral rites and to honor the martyrs. Rome, Italy. Oct. 12, 2023.

Rome to host 7th Day of the Catacombs, opportunity to reflect on early Christians

Feb 19, 2024

By Matthew Santucci

Rome’s catacombs will be open to the public for free guided tours and moments of prayer and reflection on Saturday,... Read more

Christopher Wray at his confirmation hearing on July 12, 2017.

UPDATE: Senators press FBI on alleged deletion of files related to Catholic investigation

Feb 2, 2024

By Tyler Arnold

Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley and 15 other Republican senators expressed their demands in a Jan. 31 letter to FBI Director... Read more

CNA

Report: Over 130 Catholic priests and religious arrested, kidnapped, or murdered in 2023

Jan 10, 2024

By Tyler Arnold

Throughout 2023, more than 130 Catholic priests and religious were either arrested, kidnapped, or murdered, according to a new report. Read more

Pope Francis gives a blessing after he delivers his Angelus address to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Dec. 26, 2023.

Pope Francis: After 2,000 years the persecution of Christians continues

Dec 26, 2023

By Matthew Santucci

During Tuesday’s Angelus on the occasion of the feast of St. Stephen, Pope Francis renewed his call for peace. Read more

The Austrian Parliament building is lit red as part of the international "Red Week" in honor of persecuted Christians across the globe.

‘Red Week’: Buildings and monuments across the world lit red in honor of persecuted Christians

Nov 24, 2023

By Peter Pinedo

Buildings, monuments, and hundreds of churches across the world are being lit up in red throughout November in honor of... Read more

A road in Enugu State, Nigeria.

Christianity growing despite world’s worst persecutions, new report says

Nov 8, 2023

By Peter Pinedo

A new report from a Christian advocacy group says that Christianity continues to thrive and grow despite brutal repression. Read more

U.S. Capitol Building, Washington, D.C.

Religious persecution is threat to U.S. national security, experts tell Congress

Oct 26, 2023

By Peter Pinedo

In testimony to the House Subcommittee on National Security, the Border, and Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, experts said that religious... Read more

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U.S. bishops mark 25th anniversary of International Religious Freedom Act

Oct 26, 2023

By Joe Bukuras

The bishops called the 1998 law a “landmark” piece of legislation meant to protect the “essential and inviolable” principle of... Read more

Bishop José Álvarez Lagos surrounded by police officers on Aug. 4, 2022.

Persecuted bishop in Nicaragua tells faithful to overcome evil with good

Aug 12, 2022

By Eduardo Berdejo

Bishop Rolando Álvarez of Matagalpa, Nicaragua, who has been under house for eight days, called on the faithful not to... Read more

Archbishop Angaelos

Coptic archbishop: Condemning persecution of non-Christians follows the example of Christ

Jul 27, 2021

By Matt Hadro

Christians around the world must speak out against persecution of non-Christians, the Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London told CNA during... Read more

Government restrictions on religion reach new peak, Pew Research Center says

Nov 15, 2020

Government restrictions on religion are at their highest since tracking began in 2007, the Pew Research Center has said in... Read more

Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square during the Wednesday general audience on May 22, 2015.

Pope urges 'full rights' be given to persecuted Rohingya minority

Aug 27, 2017

By Elise Harris

On Sunday Pope Francis made a fresh appeal on behalf of the persecuted Muslim Rohingya minority, voicing his closeness to... Read more

Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square June 17, 2015.

Pope Francis: The way of Christ is the way of persecution

Jun 28, 2017

By Hannah Brockhaus

On Wednesday Pope Francis said that following Christ means taking a path contrary to that of the world, and being... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square after the Wednesday general audience, June 1, 2016.

Pope makes renewed plea on behalf of persecuted Rohingya minority

Feb 8, 2017

By Elise Harris

On Wednesday Pope Francis made an urgent appeal for prayer on behalf for all suffering due to slavery and exploitation,... Read more