Africa
The Latest
Abducted priest in Nigeria released, diocese ‘grateful’
Father Marcellinus Obioma Okide, a parish priest at St. Mary Amofia-Agu Affa Parish in the Enugu Diocese, was set free... Read more
Nigerian diocese calls for prayers for kidnapped priest
Father Marcellinus Obioma Okide was on his way back to his parish in the Enugu Diocese on Sept. 17 when... Read more
Major earthquake in Morocco kills more than 1,000
Pope Francis offered the country his “prayerful communion in the face of this natural disaster.” Read more
Catholic charity resumes bringing meals and hope to war-torn Tigray
In late August, Mary’s Meals began serving food once again to approximately 10,000 children in 14 schools in northern Ethiopia. Read more
Family life, ‘bonding together’ behind spread of Christianity in Africa, U.S. bishop says
Bishop John Patrick Dolan of Phoenix returned from a 12-day trip to the African countries of Ethiopia, Uganda, and Kenya... Read more
After 1,700 years, an ancient olive tree marks the vanished hometown of St. Augustine
The famous saint is associated with the city of Hippo, but before that, he lived in a now-vanished town that... Read more
Tigray food crisis deepens as Catholic leaders plead for relief
Over 20 million people in Ethiopia rely on food assistance, but it was halted four months ago after the discovery... Read more
Ugandan diocese observes five-day prayer for victims of secondary school attack
On June 16, suspected members of the Allied Democratic Forces reportedly attacked the school, killing some 41 people, including 38... Read more
‘There is sometimes a terrifying silence’ regarding abortions in Africa, priest says
Father Apollinaire Cibaka Cikongo of the Democratic Republic of Congo expressed concern about the “general silence” on abortion in Africa. Read more
Nigerian priest abducted on Corpus Christi Sunday regains freedom
Father Jeremiah Yakubu, who was kidnapped from his parish rectory in Karku, Nigeria, Sunday evening, has been released. Read more
Nigeria’s Diocese of Kafanchan appeals for ‘intense prayers’ for abducted priest
The diocese said Father Jeremiah Yakubu from Holy Trinity Parish in Karku was taken from the rectory at about 11... Read more
Nigerian priest returning from pastoral duties shot dead; archdiocese in ‘great shock’
In a statement shared June 8 with ACI Africa, CNA’s African news partner, Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze expressed shock at... Read more
Catholic priest in Nigeria freed on Pentecost Sunday after three days in captivity
Father Matthias Opara, a Nigerian Catholic priest who was abducted on May 26 while returning from a funeral, has been... Read more
Africa’s leaders gather in DC as religious persecution in Nigeria is still being ignored
As Biden welcomes African leaders this week, religious freedom advocates are calling for the U.S. to recognize the persecution of... Read more
African nations stand alone against abortion rights, gender ideology at the UN
The resolution includes language stating that countries must provide “access to safe abortion” as a “human right.” Read more
Nigeria church massacre: State Dept. official meets local bishop
The meeting took place following a request by Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey. Read more
Heroic Nigerian priest risks his life daily to help Christian refugees, aid agency says
Not every Catholic priest risks mortal danger every time he visits his people, but this Nigerian priest does. Read more
Meet Our Lady of Kibeho: The only approved Marian apparition in Africa
There is only one Vatican-approved Marian apparition that took place on the African continent: Our Lady of Kibeho. Read more
Religious freedom advocates warn that church closures are ‘wrong direction’ for Algeria
The closure of several Christian churches in Algeria, as well as court convictions of Christians for undermining Muslim beliefs, are... Read more
Catholic charity to give $9.5 million in aid to Africa’s persecuted Christians
“In no other region have so many priests, religious and church workers been murdered in the last three years.” Read more
