A new report by Aid to the Church in Need indicates that conditions for Christians have deteriorated in a majority of countries assessed, with persecution driven by extremist violence, authoritarian regimes, and rising religious nationalism.
ROME, October 27, 2026 – The international pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has released a troubling report titled Persecuted and Forgotten? A Report on Christians oppressed for their Faith 2024–26, which reveals a significant increase in the persecution of Christians worldwide. According to the findings, conditions worsened in 55 percent of the 18 countries studied, and no country reported an improvement in religious freedom during the two-year assessment period, which spans from August 2024 to June 2026.
The report outlines a complex landscape of religious persecution, attributing the escalation to factors such as extremist violence, authoritarian governance, and the rise of religious nationalism. ACN warns that these threats are intensifying, leading to increased suffering among Christian communities and jeopardizing their fundamental rights and freedoms.
Worsening Conditions and Displacement
One of the report’s most alarming findings is the substantial displacement of Christians, who are part of a larger exodus of individuals fleeing violence in regions such as Africa and Asia. In Nigeria, for instance, millions of Christians are categorized as internally displaced persons due to ongoing extremist violence, raising concerns about long-term demographic shifts and the potential alteration of the region’s religious landscape.
ACN’s report estimates that approximately 413 million Christians live in countries where serious violations of religious freedom occur. Of these, around 220 million Christians are subjected to direct persecution. The humanitarian crisis is particularly acute in sub-Saharan Africa, where Islamist militant groups have expanded their reach significantly. The 2026 Global Terrorism Index reveals that six of the ten countries most affected by terrorism are located in Africa.
In northern Mozambique, an ongoing Islamist insurgency has devastated communities in Cabo Delgado since 2017, leading to the deaths of approximately 1,000 Christians. Reports indicate that the violence has included brutal acts such as beheadings, kidnappings, and the destruction of homes and places of worship. In Burkina Faso and Mali, Islamist factions have gained control over substantial areas, where Christian communities face imposition of strict Islamic codes, displacement, and targeted killings.
Global Patterns of Religious Persecution
The report also highlights a sharp increase in the arrest of Christians in countries like Iran, where such incidents nearly doubled in a single year. In Nicaragua, tensions have escalated between the government and the Catholic Church, resulting in the arrest and exile of clergy, restrictions on ordinations, and the seizure of church properties. Furthermore, authorities in Nicaragua have implemented bans on individuals bringing Bibles into the country, exacerbating the challenges faced by Christian communities.
ACN identifies another disturbing trend: the rise of religious nationalism, particularly in parts of Asia. The report cites over 700 incidents of anti-Christian violence in India during 2025, attributing this surge to increasing social hostility and the spread of anti-conversion laws that minority communities argue are being weaponized to suppress their freedoms.
While the report emphasizes the religious dimensions of these issues, it also acknowledges the intricate interplay of factors such as ethnicity, political instability, and economic hardship, which often intersect with religious identity. ACN suggests that the religious aspect of these conflicts is frequently underestimated, especially by observers outside the affected regions.
Personal Testimonies from Affected Individuals
The report’s findings are supported by personal testimonies from individuals within affected Christian communities. One poignant account comes from Solomon Ako, a 33-year-old Christian from northern Nigeria, who described his abduction by militants. His captors demanded that he convert to Islam, subjecting him to severe physical abuse when he refused. “They whipped us with whips. They chained our legs,” Ako recounted, highlighting the human toll of the systemic persecution identified in the report.
ACN underscores that these personal narratives are crucial for understanding the broader implications of religious persecution. They convey not only the statistical trends but also the profound impact on communities facing violence, discrimination, and the growing trend of mass migration from their homelands. The report illustrates how the convergence of extremism, authoritarianism, and nationalism poses a formidable challenge for Christians and other minority religious groups around the globe.
Implications for Religious Freedom and Global Response
The findings of the ACN report raise significant questions regarding the international community’s response to religious persecution. As conditions for Christians worsen in various countries, there is increasing urgency for policymakers, human rights advocates, and international organizations to address these challenges comprehensively. Failure to act could result in further destabilization of affected regions, exacerbating existing humanitarian crises and leading to more significant geopolitical consequences.
In light of these findings, discussions surrounding religious freedom must incorporate a nuanced understanding of the intersecting factors contributing to persecution. This approach will be essential for formulating effective strategies to protect vulnerable communities and promote an environment where individuals can freely practice their faith without fear of retribution.
As the ACN report illustrates, the plight of Christians facing persecution globally is an urgent humanitarian issue that demands sustained attention and action from the international community. Addressing these challenges is not only a matter of protecting religious freedoms but is also crucial for fostering stability and peace in regions marked by conflict and division.
