During a recent visit to the headquarters of ACN, in Germany, Melkite Archbishop Georges Masri, of Aleppo, described the serious crisis that is affecting both the population’s health and the Church’s pastoral work.

The superior general of the Congregation of the Albertine Brothers, Brother Franciszek Grzelka of Poland, recently visited his fellow brothers and brought them a delivery of relief supplies.

Cardinal Sandri: “What was a dream is now a reality!”

The Bishop of Mamfe has expressed his gratitude for the release of the priests, laypeople, and a religious sister, but has repeated his condemnation of the attack on the church in which they were taken by rebels.

Two months ago, Maryamu Joseph (16) escaped from Boko Haram after being held for nine years.

“One million children praying the Rosary” will take place on 18 October. Pope Francis asks that participants especially remember Ukraine, and all other countries that suffer from war and misery.

Bishop Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, of the Diocese of Makurdi, spoke at an event in the European Parliament saying that Christians in Nigeria need help, “before it becomes too late”.

With the war entering its eighth month, ACN spoke to Vasylij Tuchapets, Greek Catholic Bishop of Kharkiv about the importance of remaining with the people and the needs in eastern Ukraine as winter approaches.

For many Christians in Lebanon technical schools provide opportunities for future employment and a stable environment for local families.

Bishop Samson Shukardin of Hyderabad cannot shake the images from his visit to the flood-affected Catholic village of Mariamnagar, in southern Sindh province.

With a long experience of persecution, the Christians of Baghdeda (Qaraqosh) know that the bad times might return, but they believe that “a Church that is not persecuted is a Church that does not carry Christ”.

On September 30, the Church celebrates the memory of Saint Jerome, a doctor of the Church who translated the Bible into Latin.

In the wake of the murder of an Italian nun, the Bishop of Pemba, where the Islamist insurgency began, says that poverty and corruption are at the root of the problem.

The Bishop of Mamfe asks for prayers for the release of nine kidnapped religious and laypeople.

Pakistanis are grateful for Church help as the worst flooding in 30 years leaves many citizens with nothing.

Patriarch Bechara Boutros Rai compared Lebanon to a sick person who refuses treatment and so continues to get worse. Action is required, he claims, if the country is to continue to fulfil its prophetic role in the Middle East.

Thursday 15 September, Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, will mark the end of the “Console your People” initiative, to beg for peace in Syria and for the protection of all Christians in that country, which was promoted by ACN.

“How can we keep the spirit of Assisi alive?” asks Almaty bishop.