Activity Report 2024

» Because faith gives hope.«

Imprint First published in 2025 by ACN Aid to the Church in Need International gGmbH Bischof-Kindermann-Str. 23, 61462 Königstein/Ts., GERMANY Represented by Philipp Ozores, Secretary General

Second edition.

Title: A boy at catechism class in the parish of Caluyo in Puno, Peru.

Dear Friends,

By presenting you with this annual report and providing information on the use of the funds entrusted to us, we aspire to be true “Pilgrims of Hope” , in keeping with the motto of the Jubilee Year 2025. In the face of great need, we have witnes- sed a remarkable display of true Christian charity and, at times, heroic love for God and neighbour throughout the past year. This we beheld in the escalating develop- ments in the Middle East, in the devasta- ting war in Ukraine that has continued for more than three years, in Haiti, which is sinking into chaos and anarchy and in African countries where jihadist violence is spreading and bringing displacement, suffering and misery to the population. Thanks to the prayers and generous con- tributions of our benefactors, who once again opened their hearts wide in 2024, we were able to provide support in more than 130 countries and through over 5,000 pro- jects – spreading the light of hope via the fraternal embrace of the Church community.

Global developments and the dedication of many good people remind us that the struggle between good and evil, light and darkness, is intensifying. In this conflict, I ask you to turn together in hopeful prayer to God, the source and giver of all good, of light and life. May the blessing of Almighty God descend upon all of you who contribute to making this work a living expression of love and grace. I entrust you and your families to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin, who is also our Mother.

Kind regards,

Mauro Cardinal Piacenza President of the Papal Foundation Aid to the Church in Need

ACN Activity Report 2024 | 1

Contents

pp. 4–7 About us pp. 8–9 ACN mourns the death of Pope Francis pp. 10–13 Facts and figures

pp. 14–15 Our task areas pp. 16–17 Mass stipends

p. 18 Training of priests and religious p. 19 Safeguarding p. 20 Subsistence aid for religious sisters p. 21 Faith formation of laity p. 22 C onstruction and reconstruction of church facilities p. 23 Means of transport for pastoral care p. 24 E mergency assistance in cases of war, displacement, violence and natural catastrophes p. 25 Distribution of Bibles, religious books and media

pp. 26–27 Advocacy

p. 28 Religious Freedom Report

pp. 29–31 Public relations

p. 32 Media support for the propagation of faith p. 33 YOUCAT

pp. 34–35 Our regional activities in 2024 pp. 36–47 Latin America pp. 48–59 Africa pp. 60–67 Middle East pp. 68–77 Europe pp. 78–89 Asia/Oceania pp. 90–91 Index pp. 92–93 Our mission, our vision and our values pp. 94–95 Our history p. 96 Our organisational structure

Cover back Aid to the Church in Need worldwide – contacts

2 | ACN Activity Report 2024

» I cordially

bless you all.«

Dear friends, may the Lord make your prayers and your commitment to the mission of the Church always nurture more fruit throughout the world, especially where it is suffering from spiritual and material needs or is discriminated against and persecuted.

I cordially bless you all.

Pope Francis to the members and benefactors of Aid to the Church in Need at the general audience on 2 October 2013, in Rome

As a Pontifical Foundation, Aid to the Church in Need has the mandate to act on behalf of the Church.

ACN Activity Report 2024 | 3

About us and our mission.

Get to know Aid to the Church in Need. Our mission, what we are committed to and our funding priorities in 2024.

Sr Annie Demerjian, project partner, Syria » I am so grateful for all that you are doing to help our suffering people. May our Lord bless you, and our brothers and sisters in Christ. «

4 | ACN Activity Report 2024 | About us

Aid to the Church in Need was initially established in 1947 as a Catholic aid organisation for war refugees and has been recognised as a Pontifical Foun- dation since 2011. Under our guiding principle of “information, prayer and action”, today we are committed to helping Christians across the globe, wherever they are persecuted or op- pressed or suffer material hardships. In addition, we are committed to religious freedom and reconciliation across all faiths. Our foundation does not accept any support from government agencies. However, thanks to hundreds of thou-

sands of benefactors who donate to Aid to the Church in Need, we are now active worldwide with an annual donation volume of 139.3 million euros. This story shows, once again, how practical charity arises from proclaiming one’s faith.

ACN Activity Report 2024 | 5 About us |

In many countries, Christians are discriminated against and persecuted.

From its beginnings, the Church has always provided care for those in need. However, the Church often finds itself in urgent need of assistance, particularly in developing countries and in states where it faces displacement, persecu- tion or disasters.

where their faith cannot be practised freely, and half of the world’s population live in countries with outright persecu- tion. The fundamental right to religious freedom is not guaranteed in at least 61 countries. Christians bear a dispro- portionate brunt of the impact. Where Church life and pastoral care for the faithful are difficult to maintain on their own, the Church is dependent on donations from abroad. Unlike most charities working to alleviate social needs, Aid to the Church in Need – for- merly known as Church in Need – con- centrates on supporting pastoral care. For 78 years, our professionalism, trans- parency, effectiveness and efficiency have ensured that our benefactors’ donations have the best possible effect precisely where they are most urgently needed: among local churches in need.

Mt 25:40 my brothers and sisters, you did for me. « » Whatever you did for the least of

According to our calculations, 62% of the world’s population live in countries

6 | ACN Activity Report 2024 | About us

This is how donations become concrete aid for Christians in need.

organise information activities

asks for support

informs about projects

National sections

Head- quarters

Local church in need

Donors

transfer donations

contribute donations

decides, finances and monitors projects

1. The need for project aid arises in a place where the Church suffers from poverty or persecution. The diocese or parish forwards the project to ACN (Aid to the Church in Need) headquarters in Königstein, Germany, with a recommen- dation from the local bishop or super- visor. 2. The head of section for the region analyses the project. If necessary, he or she then asks for further information. Within a maximum of three months,

6. ACN’s national offices transfer the chari- table contributions to ACN headquarters.

ACN headquarters confirms whether the project has been approved or not.

3. ACN headquarters informs the national offices about projects for local fundraising and financing through benefactors. 4. The offices organise information and awareness-raising measures so that donors support the projects.

7. ACN decides on projects and their fund- ing, tracks and monitors their implemen- tation. Between one and six months after the approval of the project has been granted, ACN assumes the costs for the approved project. In emergencies, ACN headquarters provides immediate funds.

5. Benefactors feel called on to join in and donate.

ACN Activity Report 2024 | 7 Donation cycle |

ACN mourns the death of Pope Francis

The Catholic world mourns the death of Pope Francis. We at ACN also extend our heartfelt gratitude as we bid farewell to the pontiff, who died on Easter Monday of the Holy Year 2025 at the age of 88. We remember a pope who was unique and unconventional in many ways, wholeheartedly supporting our Charity and our global efforts to aid persecuted Christians and the suffering Church. Despite his pontificate being marked by a dramatic global rise in war, vio- lence and challenges like the Covid-19 pandemic, Pope Francis led his mini stry with unwavering courage and confidence. He was the first pope in twelve centuries who was not born in Europe and the first Jesuit on the throne of Peter. He was also the first head of the Catholic Church in history to meet the Patriarch of Moscow and the first pope to travel to Iraq and

Mongolia. He was our highest superior by virtue of his office, as ACN was ele- vated to the rank of a Pontifical Foun dation by Benedict XVI in 2011. He consistently supported us with special benevolence. Above all, we remember Francis as a pope of dialogue and frank words. In view of the world situation, he repea tedly appealed to the conscience of those in power and responsibility to put a stop to violence, discrimination and persecution of religious minorities and the destruction of nature. As a tireless advocate for peace, he was deeply concerned about the fate of humanity. On the Feast of the Assumption in 2022, for example, he spoke in tears about the war in Ukraine. The consecration of the world, and especially Russia and Ukraine, to Mary on 25 March 2022 is undoubtedly one of the most impressive moments of his pontificate.

Presentation of the DOCAT on Catholic social teaching in June 2017 at the Vatican.

Address for peace in Syria at the Angelus prayer in December 2018 in Rome.

Former ACN Executive President T. Heine-Geldern in August 2019 at the handover of one of the 6,000 rosaries.

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| ACN mourns the death of Pope Francis

» With Pope Francis, we are losing a tireless fighter for religious freedom and oppressed Christians. «

Regina Lynch, ACN Executive President

His commitment to the Christians in Iraq will also remain unforgotten. In March 2021, the pope visited the Nineveh Plains, where ACN has rebuilt churches, monasteries and Christian homes. Regina Lynch, now Executive President, and then Director of ACN’s Project Department, was part of Pope Francis’ delegation. She remembers: “He thanked ACN and the benefactors for all we are doing for Christians in the Middle East and around the world.” Pope Francis had already expressed his respect for the work of ACN in 2016. He supported the medical care of Christians displaced from the Nineveh Plains with a personal donation to ACN. Through numerous other actions, he consistently reinforced his support for our foundation’s mission. For example, during the Sunday Angelus prayer

in St Peter’s Square, Pope Francis lit a candle made by ACN’s project partners in Syria, thereby expressing his support for our Advent campaign “Light a Candle for Peace in Syria”. In 2019, Francis received a delegation from ACN and blessed 6,000 rosaries and an icon – after which he once again called for prayer for Syria. Francis continued the path of his predecessors in ecumenical and interreligious dialogue and met with several Orthodox patriarchs, including Kirill of Moscow and Bartholomew of Constantinople. He also sought contact with representatives of non- Christian religious communities. Our foundation will always be grate ful to Pope Francis for his prayers and for consistently advocating for persecuted Christians and the right to religious freedom. May he rest in peace.

Blessing of the icon “Our Lady of Sorrows, Comforter of the Syrians” in September 2019.

In conversation with ACN Executive President Regina Lynch on the flight to Iraq in March 2021.

Meeting in Iraq with representatives of the three Abrahamic religions in March 2021.

ACN Activity Report 2024 | 9

ACN mourns the death of Pope Francis |

In 2024, we were able to support 5,335 projects worldwide.

comparatively low, so that as many funds as pos- sible could reach local Christians. In 2024, we sup- ported a total of 5,335 projects in 137 countries with approximately 95.6 million euros. 17.3 mil- lion euros were used for proclamation of the faith, information work and advocacy for disadvantaged and persecuted Christians worldwide. At 30.2 million euros, or 21.7% of our revenues, bequests made up a significant part of our sup- port for the Church in 2024. Together with our brothers and sisters in need, we therefore not only thank our living benefactors, but also gratefully remember those who support us beyond death.

In 2024, we received 7,296 applications for aid from all over the world. Thanks to the generos- ity of our benefactors, we collected donations of 139.3 million euros. By adding reserves of 2.2 million euros from previous years we have been able to fund activities amounting to 141.5 million euros. As can be seen in the dia- gram, by far the largest share of our expenditure was devoted to mission-related expenses, i.e. concrete project work, information and prayer activities.

As always, the proportion of necessary expendi- tures for administration and fundraising was

Total expenditure (2024)

Mission-related expenditure

7.5% €10.6 million

Donor relations and fundraising Administration

12,7% €18 million

79.8% €112.9 million

€141.5 million

10 | ACN Activity Report 2024

| Facts and figures

Facts and figures*

Offices in 23 358,195 139,261,868

countries donors worldwide

137 5,335 79.8 percent of the funds used are allocated to mission-related expenses projects supported worldwide countries euros in donations and legacies

Project partners in

All financial figures are audited by the independent auditing firm PwC.

Mission-related expenditure (2024)

Information, proclamation of faith and advocacy for discriminated and persecuted Christians (→ p. 26ff.) Project work (→ p. 14ff.)

15.3% €17.3 million

84.7% €95.6 million

€112.9 million

*Valid as of 2024

ACN Activity Report 2024 | 11

Facts and figures |

Our focal points in the 2024 reporting year.

By providing Mass stipends for priests (17.2 percent) and subsistence aid for religious sisters (6.7 percent), we were once again able to help secure their livelihoods in 2024. A total of 23.9% of our funding was earmarked for these projects. In addition, we are active in acute crises with emergency aid measures for the suffering population. In 2024, such emergency aid in areas where Christians are threatened by vio- lence and displacement accounted for 10.7% of our total aid.

In 2024, we increased our support for the training of priests and religious (16.4 per- cent) and lay people (11.8 percent), which has always been one of our priorities, to a total of 28.2 percent, representing more than a quarter of our total aid. At 23.6 percent, projects for the con- struction, reconstruction or renovation of churches and church buildings also accounted for more than a quarter of our funding.

Aid granted by type of help (2024)

€95.6 million

3.1%

6.7%

Construction and reconstruction (→ p. 22)

23.6%

Mass stipends (→ p. 16)

10.5%

Training of priests and religious (→ p. 18)

10.7%

Faith formation of laity (→ p. 21)

17.2%

Emergency relief aid (→ p. 24)

11.8%

Means of transport for pastoral care (→ p. 23)

16.4%

Subsistence aid for religious sisters (→ p. 20)

Distribution of Bibles, religious books and media (→ p. 25)

12 | ACN Activity Report 2024

| Facts and figures

» The starting point for our aid is a close dialogue with local churches. «

At 30.2%, Africa was once again the pri- ority region for our aid projects in 2024. The situation is particularly dramatic in places where Islamist terror is spreading and Christians are victims of persecution and displacement, such as in Mozam- bique, Burkina Faso and Nigeria. At the same time, the number of faithful and vocations to the priesthood and religious orders continues to rise. 18.7% of our aid was devoted to Asia (including 0.9% for Oceania), where Christians form a minority in most countries and are discriminated against or even persecuted. For example, we increased the level of our aid to Pakistan. The funding volume for the Middle East represented 17.5% of our total aid. The focal points in 2024 continued to be Syria and Lebanon. By providing emergency aid and strengthening pastoral care, our aim is to help ensure the survival of Christian communities and counteract the massive exodus of Christians.

Latin America accounted for 16.8% of our total aid, as rural exodus, migra- tion, sects and governments hostile to the Church are major challenges here. In 2024, we continued to receive a large number of requests for support from Ukraine, where the Church, in the midst of war, is trying to alleviate the spiritual, psychological and material needs of those who have fled and are in need. Therefore, in 2024, 8.9% of our funds went to Ukraine. Our aid for Europe totalled 15.9%.

€95.6million

0.9%

Aid granted by region (2024)

15.9%

Africa (→ p. 48 ff.)

30.2%

Asia/Oceania (→ p. 76 ff.)

Middle East (→ p. 60 ff.)

16.8%

Latin America (→ p. 36 ff.) Europe (→ p. 66 ff.)

Other

17.5%

18.7%

ACN Activity Report 2024 | 13

Facts and figures |

Our task areas Regardless of whether we are providing subsistence aid for priests and religious sisters, Mass stipends, training for seminarians, emergency aid during war and natural catastrophes or publicity work for the propagation of the faith, Aid to the Church in Need’s task areas are as diverse as they are urgent. We lend assistance and fund activities where Christians are persecuted and the Church suffers hardships.

14 | ACN Activity Report 2024| Our task areas

Church in Need – our name says it all Over the 78 years since its foundation, Aid to the Church in Need has developed

Near the seminary of the Sonsón-Rionegro Diocese in La Ceja, Colombia.

Mass stipends (→ p. 17) Training of priests and religious, safeguarding (→ p. 18) Subsistence aid for religious sisters (→ p. 20) Faith formation of laity (→ p. 21) Construction and reconstruction of church facilities (→ p. 22)

into an aid organisation with a broad range of tasks. Today we can rightly claim: our name is our mission. We now support some 5,300 church projects each year in 137 countries – many of these over the long term. In this way, we frequently remain in crisis areas much longer than other aid organisations. Of course, this requires not only person- nel and logistical resources, but also the necessary financial means. Only through the donations of over 358,100 benefac- tors throughout the world are we able to fulfil and successfully drive our mission of providing pastoral assistance.

Means of transport for pastoral care (→ p. 23)

Emergency assistance in cases of war, displacement, violence and natural catastrophes (→ p. 24) Distribution of Bibles, religious books and media (→ p. 25) Advocacy, public relations (→ p. 26) Media support for the propagation of faith (→ p. 32)

ACN Activity Report 2024 | 15 Our task areas |

Fr Anton Lässer, CP, Ecclesiastical Assistant of ACN International » Putting the plight of the people before God is part of our mission.«

Carmelite friar Igor Joffin in a village of the Bouar Diocese, Central African Republic.

Helping persecuted Christians and the needy Church is of the utmost priority to Aid to the Church in Need. Whether through Mass stipends, the funding of priestly formation, subsistence aid for religious sisters or the faith formation of the laity – we sponsor thousands of brothers and sisters every year so that they, in turn, can support the faithful.

Franciscan monk Fadi Azar reports on the aftermath of the earthquake in Lattakia, Syria.

Confession in the parish of St James the Apostle in Sandia, Peru.

16 | ACN Activity Report 2024

| Our task areas

Mass stipends

In many regions, the faithful are so poor that they cannot support their priests. Even the bishops often lack the financial means to provide their priests with a regular wage. In these areas, Mass stipends are often their only means of existential help. Mass stipends are monetary donations connected with the request to celebrate Holy Mass for the deceased and the sick or other concerns of the benefactors. In 2024, a total of 1,836,591 Holy Masses were celebrated in the intentions of our benefactors. In this way, we were able to support a total of 42,252 priests – on average, about every tenth priest – worldwide. The distribution of the Mass stipends reflects the conditions of poverty on the continents. In the reporting year, 39,6% of the Mass stipends went to Africa,

» For some priests, Mass stipends are the only source of income. «

28,5% to Asia and the Near and Middle East, 21,9% to Latin America and 10% to Central and Eastern Europe. By focusing Mass prayers on deceased or sick rela- tives, on people who are experiencing life crises or on certain issues our donors may be facing, they take part in the Eucharistic celebration in a very special way. With this kind of donation, many of our benefactors recognise the profound spiritual purpose of uniting their charity with Church prayers. As a basic principle, 100% of the Mass stipends are forwarded to the intended recipients. On average, a Holy Mass is celebrated every 17 seconds for the in- tentions of ACN benefactors somewhere in the world.

Seminarians from the Kyiv Greek-Catholic Seminary in Knyazhychi, Ukraine.

ACN Activity Report 2024 | 17 Mass stipends |

Training of priests and religious

The choir of St Augustine’s Seminary in Peramiho, Tanzania.

The theological training and qualification of seminarians has

generosity of our benefactors, we were able to fund a total of 9,961 seminarians in 2024. The continuing education of God’s servants is also an important con- cern to us. During the reporting year, we sponsored the continuing education of priests, who themselves will train seminarians and thus maintain the qualitative level of priestly formation in their home countries over the long term.

always been an important focus of our aid. After all, future priests will ultimately be spiritual pillars and safeguard sacra- mental life. Therefore, our educational assistance mainly flows into countries where the suitable and continuous training of future priests is endangered or is not adequately ensured due to pov- erty, war or persecution. Thanks to the

» Scholarships are the seed which we hope will yield ripe fruit for the Church. «

In 2024, we were also able to award 282 scholarships to priests who, for example, are pursuing a doctorate or an additional course of study. In terms of continental distribution, 41% of our scholarship holders came from Africa, 44% from Asia, 13% from Latin America and 2% from Eastern Europe.

The Mother Superior of the Poor Sisters of St Joseph in Buenos Aires, Dominican Republic.

18 | ACN Activity Report 2024| Training of priests and religious

Safeguarding

Sister Silvia playing with children in southern Albania.

ACN supports the Church in its abuse prevention efforts. For example, we pro- mote courses around the world on the topic of safeguarding, in which priests and religious are trained to recognise and prevent sexual abuse and other forms of abuse of minors and wards. To this end, we work closely with the leading Institute of Anthropology – Inter- disciplinary Studies on Human Dignity and Care (IADC) at the Pontifical Gregori- an University in Rome, among others. A main focus of these courses is the detec- tion of abuse, so that it can be identified as early as possible. The aim is to learn effective measures for prevention and to apply various strategies for dealing with suspected cases. Our project partners only receive aid from ACN after submitting a written commitment to safeguarding. This aid is withdrawn if possible or actual cases of abuse are not adequately pursued.

Safeguarding requirements also apply to ACN’s own employees, who are required to comply with ACN’s safeguarding guidelines and also receive regular training on them.

The full Safeguarding Policy can be viewed at www.acninternational.org/safeguarding.

» We are working worldwide to improve the protection of minors and other wards. « Regina Lynch, Executive President

Sister Magdalena in the destroyed parish church of Kindimba in southern Tanzania.

ACN Activity Report 2024 | 19

Safeguarding |

Subsistence aid for religious sisters

Two sisters travelling in the Parish of Corralillo, Cuba.

Especially in areas with a great shortage of priests, sisters liter-

ally look after everyone in the name of God: children and adults, orphans, the sick and dying, those who have failed and those who are searching, as well as traumatised people. These sisters often work under the most difficult conditions. Contemplative sisters, on the other hand, help the suffering through their prayers. In 2024 alone, with 867 projects, we sup- ported religious sisters from Africa, Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe in their valuable work.

Spiritual exercises of religious sisters in Tura, India.

» We recognise a successful aid project when people are once again free to live their faith.« Marco Mencaglia, Director of Projects

20 | ACN Activity Report 2024| Subsistence aid for religious

Faith formation of laity There is a lack of priests in many of the world’s poorest countries.

Sister Silvia Papalia and Father Riccardo Scorsone at the Bible study in Vidov, Albania.

Here, the formation of the laity to serve as catechists is an essential element of preserving faith in daily life. On the completion of a basic course in theolo- gy, women and men are empowered to share their faith and to prepare the faith- ful for the reception of the sacraments.

» It is our duty to support our brothers and sisters in faith.« Dolores Soroa Suárez de Tangil, benefactress, Spain

In 2024, through 805 projects, we sup- ported the faith formation of laypersons.

Pastoral work with the faithful on the island of Marajó, Brazil.

ACN Activity Report 2024 | 21 Faith formation of laity |

» Faith and a good

organisation together can move mountains.«

Philipp Ozores, Secretary General

At the Shrine of the Lord of Imarrucos in the Prelature of Taraco, Peru.

Supporting the local Church is the key task of Aid to the Church in Need. This also includes measures such as the construction, reconstruction or maintenance of church buildings. We also finance vehicles for priests, sisters and catechists so that they can reach the faithful even in the most isolated areas. Wherever believers are victims of displacement, violence and persecution, we provide emergency relief to alleviate the worst suffering.

Construction and reconstruction of church facilities

Especially in crisis areas, church- es and ecclesiastical institutions are often destroyed by violence. We support reconstruction in these areas, as the Church is the centre of the life of faith and a sign of hope. Where the Church is growing, for exam- ple in Africa, Asia and Latin America, help is often needed to build up a new infrastructure. Therefore, Aid to the Church in Need provides assistance for

the construction and reconstruction of churches, monasteries, pastoral centres and mission stations, thereby safeguarding and promoting the pastoral work of the Catholic Church worldwide. We know from 78 years of experience: in slums, even the small- est chapel can offer people a spiritual home.

755 such buildings were constructed or repaired with our help in 2024 alone.

22 | ACN Activity Report 2024| Construction and reconstruction

Means of transport for pastoral care

As early as the beginning of the 1950s, ACN sent chapel trucks as mobile

We receive applications to fund vehicular purchases from every continent. Whether trucks, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, boats, or in particularly difficult mountain regions, mules – in 2024 alone, 478 motor vehicles, 264 motorcycles, 388 bicycles and 11 boats were financed with our help.

churches to displaced persons. Today, en- suring that assistance and pastoral care are available to areas in need continues to be an important concern of Aid to the Church in Need.

A Carmelite in a canoe in the Bouar Diocese, Central African Republic.

ACN supports the parish of Kipatimu in Tanzania with vehicles for pastoral work.

ACN Activity Report 2024 | 23 Means of transport for pastoral care |

Emergency assistance in cases of war, displacement, violence and natural catastrophes

Sister Janette with a poor family in the Vicariate of Guapi in the Colombian jungle.

Emergency assistance for refugees is deeply rooted in the history of our relief organisation. At the beginning of the 1950s, ACN was already doing pioneering work in supporting displaced persons. The bitter truth is: there are more refu- gees worldwide today than ever before. 122.6 million people are currently fleeing war and violence around the world; of these, several million alone are in the Middle East. Our great financial commitment to refu- gees and displaced persons in the Middle East is not only a response to their

pressing need, but also a contribution to stop the wave of Christian emigra- tion and thus ensure the continuity of Christianity in the region (for more information, see the Middle East chapter starting on page 60). We also support Christians who have been persecuted and expelled for their beliefs in many other parts of the world. Whether in Mindanao in the Philippines or in northern Nigeria, where Islamist terrorist groups are perpetrating acts of violence against the Christian minority, we stand by those who have not been able to save anything but their bare lives.

» For us, the greatest

conceivable catastrophe would be not to act. « Guido Gröning, Director of Finance

Sister Elisabeth at the Bangassou Infirmary in the Central African Republic.

24 | ACN Activity Report 2024| Emergency assistance in cases of war, displacement, violence and natural catastrophes

Distribution of Bibles, religious books and media

Children in South Sudan reading the children’s Bible.

“Go out into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to all creation,” Jesus said. Aid to the Church in Need takes this assignment literally. For instance, since 1979, our organisation has been the publisher and global supplier of the Child’s Bible, which has been translated into 194 languages and has already been distributed 51.7 million times. Often in poor countries, the Child’s Bible is the first book that children receive in their own language; frequently, it is the

only picture book that the little ones can get hold of in their entire lives.

In 2024 alone, 844,200 religious books were produced and distributed with the help of ACN. In addition, Aid to the Church in Need promotes YOUCAT, the illustrated Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church, which is available in 60 languages. Since 2016, DOCAT, a mod- ern translation of the social teachings and doctrine of the Catholic Church, has also been published. You can find more information about YOUCAT and DOCAT on page 33.

» For some poor children, the

Child’s Bible is the only picture book that they can get hold of. « Fr Anton Lässer, CP, Ecclesiastical Assistant of ACN International

Children in class with the first edition of the children’s Bible in Estonian.

ACN Activity Report 2024 | 25 Distribution of Bibles, religious books and media |

Advocate for persecuted Christians

Through global project work, ACN reaches millions of Christians all

cases, we raise awareness among polit- ical decision-makers about the growing persecution of Christians worldwide and explain the background behind the issues. ACN was even able to increase its advocacy work in 2024. A significant por- tion of our commitment was once again focused on Pakistan and Nigeria. Europe During the reporting year, ACN contin- ued its information campaigns in the EU member states. The goal was to draw greater attention to the persecution of Christian minorities in Pakistan. The focus was mainly on the Blasphemy Law, the abduction and enslavement of Christian and Hindu women and girls, and workplace discrimination against Christians. Through presentations by Pakistani Church representatives at EU institutions and regular briefings, ACN was able to raise awareness of the situ- ation among members of the European Parliament. Achievements were also

over the world. However, more is needed to improve their political environment. ACN advocacy is dedicated to facilitating the exchange of information between the Church, political leaders and society. It arranges visits for bishops, priests and religious sisters to Brussels, Washington and Geneva, where they meet with key political decision-makers. In this way, politicians receive first-hand reports on conditions in conflict areas where the government has collapsed and from which the United Nations, diplo- mats and NGOs have withdrawn due to security concerns. The Catholic Church is often the only institution still providing aid and infor- mation in these areas. ACN operates independently of state subsidies and influence, serving as an advocate for charity and Christians in need. In many

» We give persecuted Christians a voice. « Mark von Riedemann,

Director of Public Affairs and Religious Freedom

26 | ACN Activity Report 2024| Advocacy

» The King’s ongoing concern is a great source of encouragement to us at ACN. « Caroline Hull, Director ACN UK

King Charles III after the Advent service at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Mayfair, London.

Great Britain Thanks to ACN’s close cooperation with the British ACN national office, King Charles III was invited to attend an Advent service on 17 December at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Mayfair, London. The service was co-organised by ACN to commemorate the capture of Mosul and the Nineveh Plains by IS ten years ago. The King had previously shown strong concern for the plight of per- secuted Christians and had been in contact with ACN. USA ACN organised a two-week visit to Washington for Bishop Wilfred Anag- be. Through his personal meetings with members of Congress, a vote in support of Nigerian Christians was se- cured in the House of Representatives on February 6 as US Resolution 82. A solidarity and fact-finding trip to Nigeria was organised for the Africa Subcommittee of the US Congress, which took place on 14 December.

highlighted. One piece of good news from Pakistan, for example, was the introduction of a new law that only allows Christians in the region around the capital Islamabad to marry once they have reached the age of 18. This is a positive step forward, as it safeguards underage Christian girls from forced marriages to Muslims and the resulting conversion to Islam. Previously, a law permitted Christian girls to marry at the age of 13. Another key aspect of our advocacy work focused on the suffering of Christians in Nigeria. Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and Father Remigius Ihyula, both from the Diocese of Makurdi in Benue State, where Christians are exposed to extreme violence, particu- larly by militant Fulani extremists, and where two million people have already been displaced, spoke to vari- ous target groups in Europe and Great Britain. In Hungary, Bishop Anagbe met with ministers from all EU mem- ber states, advocating for Nigeria to remain a priority in foreign policy. In the Czech Republic, the Bishops’ Conference expressed its interest in a closer, structured cooperation with ACN. The Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs promised to provide a budget for the protection of Christians and religious minorities. In the Neth- erlands, ACN provided information for the preparation of a resolution by the new government calling for measures to protect Christian minorities abroad.

Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, Bishop of Makurdi, Ni- geria (left), pictured here with Father Remigius Shawon Ihyula, campaigning in the EU and the USA on behalf of suffering Christians in Nigeria.

In 2024, ACN published a report of over 50 pages on the dramatic situation in Burkina Faso (find more on this country on pages 50/51).

EXTREMISM AND TERRORISM

ACN Activity Report 2024 | 27 Advocacy |

Persecuted and forgotten?

On 16 November, ACN presented the new “Persecuted and Forgotten?” report in countries around the world. The report documents the most strik- ing developments in 18 key countries where Christians suffer persecution and discrimination, including Nigeria, Burkina Faso, China and Pakistan. The new edition comes to the sad conclu- sion that the situation has worsened in 11 of the 18 countries analysed. It has only improved in one country, the report reveals. In the foreword to the report, the Chaldean Catholic Archbishop of Erbil (Iraq), Bashar Matti Warda, writes: “Our prayer is that those reading this report, whether governments or others with influence, will do more than just pay lip service to reports of Christian perse- cution. They must match their words with action – clear and decisive policy commitment – to help those whose only crime is the faith they profess.” The latest report shows that the epi- centre of Islamist militant violence has

shifted from the Middle East to Africa. The report makes it clear that aggres- sive Islamists are the main reason why there has been an increase in the per- secution of Christians in all six African countries analysed. In Egypt and Pakistan, Christian girls are regularly subjected to systematic abductions and rape. In addition, “Persecuted and Forgot- ten?” notes that authoritarian regimes, including those in China, Eritrea, India and Iran, have stepped up their repressive measures against Christians. This is carried out either in the name of religious nationalism or state secular- ism/communism.

Archbishop Bashar Warda of Erbil at the presentation of the new “Persecuted and Forgotten?” report in the British Parliament.

https://acnuk.org/ pf-edition-2024/

28 | ACN Activity Report 2024 | Persecuted and forgotten?

Public relations

Whether media work, events, conferences or campaigns – ACN was once again able to implement a wide range of activities as part of its public relations work in 2024. Here we present some of the events organised by the ACN headquarters or some of its 23 national offices.

» Thank you to all the

boys and girls who are taking part! « Pope Francis, 13 October 2024 at the Angelus prayer in St Peter’s Square

One million children praying the rosary The initiative “One Million Chil- dren Praying the Rosary” was born in 2005 in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. The aim of this annual prayer campaign, supported by ACN, is to seek peace and unity in the world. At the same time, the prayers are intended to encourage children and young people to trust in God during difficult times. In 2024, 1,135,945 children from over 150 countries around the world registered to take part via the website alone, although the actual number of participants is likely to have been much higher. The country with the most regis- tered participants was Nigeria with 200,209 children, followed by the Philippines, Poland and Brazil. Pictures from war-ravaged Kharkiv in Ukraine show children praying fervently despite the danger of

bombings. Children also joined in prayer in the Gaza Strip, Israel and other conflict regions such as Myanmar, Mozambique, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Even in remote areas such as Micronesia, French Polynesia and Antarctica, children took part in the campaign. Colourful proces- sions also took place in countries where Christians are a minority, such as Bangladesh and India. To accompany the campaign, ACN once again provided free material online for parishes, schools, chil- dren’s groups and families. These included instructions for praying the Rosary, child-friendly med- itations on the mysteries of the Rosary and a consecration prayer to the Virgin Mary for children in more than 15 languages.

ACN Activity Report 2024 | 29 Public relations |

#RedWeek

#RedWeek, also called “Red Wednesday” in some countries, is an initiative that was launched by ACN in 2015 to draw public atten- tion to the plight of persecuted and disadvantaged Christians. Christi- anity is the most widely persecuted religious community globally. Christians often live in an environ- ment in which they are discriminat- ed against, violently oppressed or prevented from freely practising their faith. #RedWeek 2024 took place from 17 to 27 November in more than 20 coun- tries. Across the globe, more than 1,000 monuments, churches and

public buildings were illuminated in red, and prayer vigils were held to raise awareness of the persecution of Christians and advocate for the right to religious freedom. In France, the event La Nuit des Témoins (Night of Witnesses) was held for the 15th time during #Red- Week. The highly symbolic No- tre-Dame de Paris Cathedral, which was set to reopen soon, was illumi- nated in bright red. In addition to Lourdes and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, churches throughout the country – including in Bayonne, Versailles and Rennes – held prayer vigils for per- secuted Christians. On Corsica, more

than ten churches also took part, including the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in Ajaccio. In Spain, the faithful gathered at almost 200 prayer meetings in cities such as Madrid, Zaragoza and Val- ladolid. Well-known landmarks such as the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the Almudena Cathedral in Madrid and the Roman Amphitheatre in Tarragona (site of the first Christian martyrs in Spain) were lit up in red. The documentary film “Héroes de la Fe” (Heroes of Faith) was screened in more than 50 parishes, and lectures on the ACN report “Persecuted and Forgotten?” were organised.

Bishop Gerald Mamman Musa from Nigeria at a Mass in Balderschwang, Germany, which was broadcast by the Catholic radio station Horeb.

30 | ACN Activity Report 2024| Public relations

Left: The Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris, France. Augsburg Cathedral in Germany, bathed in red light.

In Germany, more than 200 churches were lit up in red, including in Augsburg and Mainz. An ecumenical service in Fulda Cathedral with 1,300 participants and the music band Koenige & Priester was accompanied by a light show and moving testimo- nies from persecuted Christians in a powerful demonstration of unity. An important event in Ireland was the illumination of the world’s largest statue of St Patrick in Saul, County Down – a tribute to St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who intro- duced Christianity to the island almost 1,600 years ago. Archbishop Linus Neli from the Indian state of

Manipur spoke about the dramatic situation of the Church in his home country. Numerous churches and cathedrals in Ireland, including the National Eucharistic Shrine in Knock, organised prayer vigils. Canada counted more than 40 events to celebrate #RedWeek, including services and devotions. The country’s major cathedrals – including those in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal – were also illuminated in red. In Chile, #RedWeek included a prayer vigil in Veracruz Parish in Santiago, where participants prayed for persecuted Christians. In Mexico, the

Cathedral of Puebla was illuminated on 22 November. Auxiliary Bishop Francisco Martínez Castillo of Puebla spoke about religious persecution in Mexico and around the world. In the north of the country, several church- es in Nuevo León joined the initiative and took part in the global prayer. Other countries taking part in #RedWeek included Austria, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Colombia, Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Australia and the Philippines.

Right: Álvaro Chordi, Aux- iliary Bishop of Santiago, during the prayer vigil in the Church of Veracruz, Chile. Left: The Roman Amphi- theatre in Tarragona, Spain.

ACN Activity Report 2024 | 31 Public relations |

CRTN

» In 2024,

Behind the Catholic Radio & Television Network (CRTN) is a

In 2024, the studio produced a total of 160 TV programmes in all language versions, which were then broadcast on 188 channels. With documentaries, interviews and short films, the pro- grammes reach an audience of tens of millions worldwide. In addition to production and distribution, CRTN also supports a number of worldwide TV distribution initiatives through consult- ing and programming services. What’s more, CRTN established the global Catholic television resource network crtn.org 25 years ago, which gives Catholic producers and television stations the opportunity to facili- tate the presentation, exchange and distribution of Catholic programmes worldwide. In addition, we have compiled a web catalogue containing 672 productions. In 2024, 336 produc- ers and 192 television stations used this service, which is unique in the Church. A CRTN newsletter, a CRTN Facebook page and the CRTN YouTube channel with 16,600 followers round out our media service.

Mark von Riedemann, Director of Public Affairs and Religious Freedom we produced 160 television programmes to spread the faith. «

modern production studio specialis- ing in reports and documentaries on the Catholic Church in remote areas. The broadcasts primarily serve to support evangelisation efforts and promote solidarity with the suffering Church. Additionally, they further publicise the work of Aid to the Church in Need. Through our net- work, we provide our productions to TV stations around the world.

The CRTN YouTube channel, which cur- rently has more than 3.2 million views.

32 | ACN Activity Report 2024 | Media support for the propagation of faith

YOUCAT The YOUCAT Foundation is a subsidi- ary of ACN. YOUCAT provides a broad portfolio of media that contributes to the re-evangelisation and deepening of faith among young Catholics. The offer ranges from catechism editions and attractively designed Bible editions to digital offers, including teaching materials, apps and social media channels. So far, 60 translations of YOUCAT, the Catholic Church’s youth catechism, have been published, with a further 20 in the pipeline. A total of 9 million books from the YOUCAT series have now been sold. The YOUCAT Foundation has ob- served a significant rise in interest in its materials for catechesis and

faith formation. The reasons for this include the expanded reach of social media channels, a broader selection of additional materials in various languages and the growing demand for the books. The YOUCAT Foundation can look back on another successful year in 2024. As in the previous year, the YOUCAT Youth Catechism and YOUCAT for Kids were once again global best- sellers during the reporting year. With the YOUCAT Bible (e.g. in Vietnam, China and Ukraine) and the YOU- CAT Confession Book (e.g. in Korea, Bulgaria and Croatia), two important works were also distributed in coun- tries that had not previously pub- lished YOUCAT media. The foundation also concluded a total of 16 new

contracts with 11 different publishing partners. More than 500,000 people were reached via books and digital channels in 2024.

» Interest in

YOUCAT media continues to grow. «

ACN Activity Report 2024 | 33 YOUCAT |

p. 36 Latin America

p. 48 Africa

pp. 50–51 pp. 52–53 pp. 54–55 pp. 56–57 pp. 58–59

Burkina Faso

pp. 38–39 Haiti pp. 40–41 Guatemala pp. 42–43 Peru pp. 44–45 Brazil pp. 46–47 Argentina

Nigeria

South Sudan

Tanzania

Mozambique

34 | ACN Activity Report 2024 | Our regional activities in 2024

Our regional activities in 2024

In 2024, ACN received 7,296 requests for aid. In total, we were able to help in 137 countries. On the following pages, we would like to provide you with an overview of our regional funding priorities. Our priority commitment once again centred on the African continent, where the Church is expanding, yet needs remain great and terror contin- ues to spread in many areas. The Church also provides support to local populations affected by the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. ACN therefore not only provides emergency aid to ensure the immediate survival of Christian families, but also increasingly supports projects aimed at assisting and treating traumatised individuals.

p. 60 Middle East

p. 68 Europe

p. 78 Asia/Oceania

pp. 70–71 pp. 72–73 pp. 74–75 pp. 76–77

Ukraine

pp. 80–81 pp. 82–83 pp. 84–85 pp. 86–87 pp. 88–89

Pakistan

pp. 62–63 Syria pp. 64–65 Lebanon pp. 66–67 Holy Land

Bosnia-Herzegovina

India

Albania

Indonesia Philippines

Northern Europe/ Baltic States

Papua New Guinea

ACN Activity Report 2024 | 35 Our regional activities in 2024 |

36 | ACN Activity Report 2024

Latin America With nearly 400 million believers, Latin America is the continent with the highest number of Catholics in the world. But the Church is facing growing challenges. These include extreme poverty in rural areas, migration flows to urban centres and authoritarian regimes that oppress the Church and hinder its work. An increasingly aggressive secularism and the massive spread of sects are also worrying developments. With a total volume of 16 Million euros, ACN was once again able to provide urgently needed aid for the local Churches here in 2024.

The situation is especially dire for the Church in Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua, where state interference poses significant challenges. In Mexico, Haiti, Ecuador, Colombia and

cannot be present due to a shortage of priests, aggressive evangelical groups and sects are rapidly expanding. Therefore, promoting the training of priests, religious and catechists and strengthening the vocational ministry are among our most important tasks in Latin America. ACN also supports Catholic television and radio stations

» Despite numerous challenges, Latin America is still considered the most Catholic continent. «

Communion in the Colombian jungle.

Brazil, on the other hand, criminal gangs and drug cartels are terrorising the population. The Church also faces a Herculean task due to the high level of migration. The influx of migrants and the exodus of the rural population to urban centres are leading to rapid growth in the cities. The increasing number of faithful in metropolitan areas has significantly heightened the demand for pastoral care. Another challenge in some countries is the vast size of dioceses, which complicates evangelisation efforts. And in areas where the Church

on the continent, as well as the distribution of religious books. The aim is to reach as many people as possible, in order to counteract the anti-Church tendencies found in society to the greatest extent possible.

ACN Activity Report 2024 | 37 Latin America |

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