Persecution of Christians has worsened in more than half of the countries analyzed in a new international reporttranslated

The persecution of Christians has worsened in 55% of the 18 countries analyzed in the report "Persecuted and Forgotten? 2024-2026", published by the international organization Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).

The organization estimates that approximately 413 million Christians live in countries where serious violations of religious freedom occur. Of these, about 220 million are directly exposed to persecution.

The report identifies extremist violence, repression by authoritarian regimes and the intensification of religious nationalism among the main causes of the worsening situation.

Africa, one of the most affected regions Sub-Saharan Africa is among the regions where Christian communities face the worst forms of violence. According to data cited by ACN, six of the ten countries most affected by terrorism worldwide are on the African continent.

In Nigeria, attacks by armed groups have caused many casualties and displaced entire communities. At least one million Christians were forced to leave their homes, according to data presented by the organization.

Serious situations are also reported in Burkina...