The Catholic diocese of Port Blair in India has approximately 34,000 Catholics, almost all of whom are Nicobarese. The 16 parishes of the diocese are scattered across several islands, and there are over 500 small Christian communities. To travel between islands the priests need boats, and on the islands themselves, the roads are long and...

In the first two months of 2020, Fulani herdsmen killed 350 Christians in Nigeria, according to research by the Nigeria-based International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law. The US-based human-rights advocacy group International Committee on Nigeria has reported that extremist Fulani herdsmen (traditionally Muslims) are responsible for 17,000 deaths between 2015 and 2020,...

The “best preparation for a better future,” wrote Fr Werenfried van Straaten, “is to rise again with Christ to a life of goodness, mercy, pity, helpfulness and true love; and this, together with all men of good will.” Fr Werenfried van Straaten (1913-2003) was a Dutch priest who became known as the “Bacon Priest” for...

Sitting in the east of the continent, on the so-called Horn of Africa is Ethiopia, a country filled with contradictions. On the one hand showing strong economic growth, yet on the other there is widespread deep poverty. Catholics make up barely 2% of the population, although the Catholic Church maintains a great number of schools,...

Three districts in the north of Mozambique– Mocímboa da Praia, Quissanga and Muidumbe have suffered heavy attacks by jihadists – including the recent targeting of churches during Holy Week – which have been attributed to extremist group Islamic State (ISIS). Speaking to Aid to the Church in Need, Bishop Luiz Fernando Lisboa of Pemba, in...

“A very small group.” These are the words used by Italian missionary Father Luca to describe the Catholic Church in Cambodia. He has been working in the country for many years and was given the opportunity to speak in one of the reports that were filmed for the pontifical foundation ACN. According to the missionary,...

Although the public celebration of the Mass has been suspended in much of the world to curtail the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, Catholic priests are still trying to minister to their flock, even at the risk of their own health. Donned with protective gear, many priests are continuing to give the last rites. Many...

 Pope Francis has encouraged the faithful all over the world to pray the rosary during the month of May for an end to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. “The month of May is approaching, a time when the People of God express with particular intensity their love and devotion for the Blessed Virgin Mary,” the pope...

Within one week, 50 contemplative monasteries and convents all over the world accepted the invitation of the pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) to pray, not only for all those affected by the virus during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also for ACN’s project partners, benefactors and employees. Among these are Carmelite sisters,...

For Ukraine, the spread of this coronavirus could have devastating consequences. Already, even before the arrival of COVID-19, the ongoing civil war, combined with a shortfall in pension payments, had exposed especially the frail and elderly to sickness and poverty. Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), has just approved emergency aid for priests and...