Christian/Catholic Persecution

The pope described the cardinal’s decision to return to celebrate Mass at the site as a witness to “the Sacrifice of Christ.”

“The Ortega-Murillo regime will be held accountable for its systematic persecution of the Catholic Church and the Nicaraguan people,” said U.S. Sen. Rick Scott.

“Pastor Jin should never have spent a single day behind bars for peacefully living out his Christian faith,” said Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J.

“Christians are being kidnapped every day, killed every day in this country,” said Emeka Umeagbalasi, director of the nongovernmental agency Intersociety.

More than 388 million Christians — or 1 in 7 believers worldwide — face “high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith,” according to a new report.

President Daniel Ortega’s ban on religious processions has intensified in Nicaragua, and now faithful at Masses “cannot pray out loud,” said one witness.

Pope Leo spoke to members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See in the Vatican Apostolic Palace Jan. 9.

As 2025 draws to a close, the plight of persecuted Christians around the world remains dire — and in many places, deeply forgotten.

Bishop Gabriel Dunia of Auchi “expressed his deep pain and sorrow over the loss of the young seminarian” and urged intensified efforts to protect people.

“While claims for legal redress would be hard to prove,” atonement is “a moral duty, given that these past iniquities are still having tangible effects.”