All articles tagged with #christians
In Port-au-Prince’s Kenscoff area, armed gangs killed at least 47 people—many Christians—and burned a church sanctuary, kidnapping more than 50 others in what the U.N. condemned as a brutal attack; the violence, one of the worst mass killings in years, may signal gang strength ahead of December elections amid record displacement in Haiti.
Palestinian Christian rights activist Ihab Hassan tells Vatican News that Israeli settlers in the West Bank act with impunity, carrying out attacks on Palestinian communities (including Taybeh) with little accountability; with 16 Palestinians killed in the West Bank this year, he links violence to government policy and settlement expansion, and promotes the Save West Bank Christians initiative to mobilize global Christian solidarity pressuring authorities to stop the attacks.
Melkite Catholic bishops voiced grave concern over Israeli demolitions affecting Christian communities and church properties, urging authorities to protect religious sites and uphold Christians' rights in the region amid broader Jerusalem and West Bank tensions.
An Israeli soldier who struck a Jesus statue in southern Lebanon with a sledgehammer was jailed for 30 days, with the filmer also jailed and six others summoned. The rare decisive action contrasts with Israel’s usual military investigations and has intensified scrutiny of how Israel protects Christian symbols and Christians in occupied territories, even as some Christian Zionist support remains influential in the U.S. A 2025 report cites 155 incidents targeting Christians in Israel, underscoring rising religious tensions that complicate Israel’s Judeo-Christian narrative.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, speaking in Rome, says a short-term peace between Israelis and Palestinians is unlikely after Gaza and warns slogans won’t rebuild trust; he urges concrete actions, opportunities for encounter, and leadership on both sides, questions the Board of Peace as serving major powers, notes the worsening plight of Christians in the Holy Land including emigration and permit hurdles, backs working toward a two-state solution, and calls pilgrims to return to Bethlehem and Jerusalem to show presence.
An opinion piece cites Open Doors' World Watch List 2026, reporting 388 million Christians face high persecution worldwide (about 1 in 7), with Nigeria described as the most dangerous country for Christians due to abductions and attacks on worship venues; the author argues anti-Christian violence is rising globally and discusses political responses, including U.S. actions toward Nigeria.
A CSOH/India Hate Lab report shows a sharp rise in hate speech and violence against Christians and Muslims in India under Modi’s BJP-RSS environment, with 1,318 hate-speech events in 2025 (up 97% since 2023) and attacks across states including Raipur, Delhi, and Kerala. Anti-Christian rhetoric grew alongside anti-Muslim hate, often framed as “forced conversions” or conspiracies like “love jihad,” and linked to BJP-affiliated groups and leaders. Experts warn this escalating rhetoric facilitates violence and seeks to consolidate political support for Hindu majoritarianism while triggering laws targeting religious conversions.
US President Donald Trump warned of potential additional airstrikes in Nigeria if Christians continue to be targeted and killed by jihadist groups, following recent strikes in Sokoto aimed at Islamist militants. The Nigerian government denies religious targeting, stating all faiths are targeted, and emphasizes the joint nature of the operation with US involvement. The situation highlights ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, including insurgencies and regional conflicts.
President Trump was triggered by Fox News coverage of violence against Christians in Nigeria, leading him to threaten military action and consider designating Nigeria a 'Country of Particular Concern' for religious freedom violations, amid complex security issues involving both Christian and Muslim communities.
US President Donald Trump threatened to send the military into Nigeria to stop what he described as the killing of Christians by Islamists, warning of possible military action if Nigeria does not protect its Christian population, amidst ongoing conflicts and accusations of religious persecution.
A deadly attack on a church in Damascus has heightened fears among Syria's Christian community about their safety and future, with at least 25 people killed and many injured. The attack, blamed on extremist groups, marks a significant and alarming event since the civil war began, leading to increased insecurity and concerns over government protection for minorities.
Following the takeover of Syria by Islamist-led rebels, Christian leaders met with the new forces to discuss concerns about potential persecution and the status of Christians as second-class citizens. Bishop Antoine Audo emphasized the historical contributions of Arab Christians and the need for equal status. Despite assurances from the rebels, watchdog groups remain concerned about the safety of Christians, citing incidents of aid theft and ethnic cleansing. The Christian population in Syria has significantly declined due to ongoing conflict and persecution.
Following the sudden fall of the Assad regime in Syria, representatives of the country's Catholic community express hope for a democratic rebirth. Despite Assad's portrayal as a protector of minorities, many Christians welcome the change, citing exhaustion under his rule. Rebel forces have shown increasing tolerance towards Christians, and leaders like Archbishop Hanna Jallouf have received assurances of safety. The international community is urged to help stabilize Syria and support the development of a new constitution that respects all rights.
Christians around the world celebrated Easter, with Pope Francis and King Charles leading the festivities. The occasion was marked by various events and services, although Pope Francis's health concerns were noted.
Former President Donald Trump's promotion of the "God Bless the USA Bible" for $59.99 during Holy Week has sparked outrage among Christians, with some calling it a "blasphemous grift" and others expressing anger on social media. The Bible, which includes patriotic elements and is not affiliated with Trump's political campaign, has drawn criticism for commercializing religion. Trump's spokesperson dismissed the backlash as "Never Trump idiots suffering from a severe case of Trump Derangement Syndrome."