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Americas

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Sonia Thomas

CitizenGo

Nigeria

Planned Parenthood

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Catholic activists under their umbrella body, CitizenGo Africa, have accused the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) of infiltrating to Nigeria, evidently ignoring the country's strict abortion laws and going against its cultural and religious values. IPPF is a well-funded pro-abortion group from the United States. CitizenGo Africa launched an online petition on Thursday, demanding expulsion of IPPF from the West African nation as it contravenes Nigerian law and cultural values. The petition addressed to Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa said, “If Nigeria continues to allow IPPF's presence, we will see a rise in abortion activities and a generation of young people who are highly sexualized. This is not the future that Nigerians deserve.” It also demanded implementation of policies and measures that uphold the sanctity of life and respect Nigeria's cultural values. The advocacy group said that IPPF, notorious for killing and selling baby parts in the US, has disguised itself as a family planning service provider in Nigeria. They added that those behind IPPF are pouring money into the country, promoting abortion and sexualization of young people, all while ignoring the real needs of Nigerians which is clean water, good roads, hospitals, and education. Demanding their dismissal from the country, CitizenGo Africa officials warned that by advocating for abortion and contraception for teenagers, IPPF is directly challenging Nigeria's sovereignty and undermining its legal system and they must not be allowed to continue. The abortion law in Nigeria states that abortion is illegal unless done to save the life of the mother. It criminalises abortion with a steep penalty for both the woman and the personnel performing the abortion procedure.

Catholic Activists demand expulsion of Planned Parenthood from Nigeria

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Africa

Vinaya Joseph

A file image of Pope Francis greeting the faithful at the Angelus. VATICAN MEDIA

Sudan

Mozambique

Pope Francis

Islamic terrorism

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Pope Francis has urged world leaders to end violence in Sudan and northern Mozambique, where&nbsp;the Catholic mission of Our Lady of Africa in Mazeze was set ablaze. Armed assailants destroyed the Catholic chapel and several people’s homes. The Holy Father’s message resonates deeply with a profound concern for the ongoing conflicts in Sudan, Mozambique, and other parts of Africa, as well as in Ukraine and the Holy Land. His appeal for peace underscores the immense human suffering inflicted by these conflicts. He made this appeal on Sunday after praying the Angelus prayer with pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square. “Wherever fighting occurs, people are exhausted, tired of war, which as always is pointless and inconclusive, and will only bring death, only destruction, and will never solve the problem.&nbsp;I once again ask the warring parties to stop this war, which causes so much harm to the people and the future of the country. Let us pray that paths to peace are soon found to build the future of dear Sudan,” he said. The Pope's call for both prayers and tangible efforts toward peace emphasizes the critical need for both spiritual and practical actions to resolve conflicts and pave the way for a better future in affected regions. The situation in Sudan, particularly the escalating clashes between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, is deeply troubling. The large number of people in need of humanitarian aid and those displaced from their homes underscores the urgent imperative to find a resolution to the conflict. The involvement of the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for Sudan in renewed diplomatic efforts reflects the international community's recognition of the severity of the crisis and the necessity for coordinated diplomacy to address it. The repercussions of the Sudanese conflict extend beyond the country's borders, worsening regional instability and affecting neighboring nations. The efforts to bolster multilateral cooperation and engage with regional and global partners underscore the complexity of the situation and the importance of collaborative approaches in seeking sustainable solutions. In essence, Pope Francis's message underscored the profound human toll of warfare and the pressing need for peace in conflict-stricken areas. His call for prayer and practical steps to tackle the underlying causes of violence highlights the urgency of the situation and the collective responsibility to work towards lasting peace. Meanwhile, in recent weeks, the plight of Christians in Mozambique has worsened, prompting missionaries, priests, and nuns to flee the town of Mazeze due to jihadist attacks that erupted on February 9. Since the start of 2024, violence has surged, with Islamist armed groups in the country's northern region intensifying their activities. This escalation has instilled a pervasive sense of fear and insecurity among the local population, according to reports from the pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN). The focal point of these attacks is the province of Cabo Delgado, centered around its capital, Pemba. Many Catholic clergy members displaced by the terrorist attacks, which have included the destruction of homes and churches, have sought sanctuary in Pemba, as revealed by a missionary speaking under anonymity to ACN for safety reasons. The decision to evacuate stems from a need to protect individuals, as remaining in villages can inadvertently expose them to danger. The presence of priests or sisters may create a false sense of security, potentially making them targets for further attacks. Since its inception in 2017, the jihadist insurgency in Mozambique has claimed the lives of at least 5,000 people and displaced over a million. Several neighboring countries have joined efforts with the Mozambican army to quell the violence. ACN underlined the unwavering commitment of the Catholic Church to assisting displaced individuals in northern Mozambique and actively pursuing a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Pope urges global leaders to push for peace in Sudan, northern Mozambique

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Vatican

Vandalism Strikes Mary Statue at National Shrine

National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Immaculate Conception

Washington D.C

washington D.C cathedral

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An unidentified attacker on Thursday caused damage to a statue of the Blessed Mother located in a prayer garden next to a well-known basilica in Washington, DC. The statue located in Mary’s Garden on the grounds of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception seemed to have been hit in the face by a hammer. The light fixtures were also shattered along the garden walkway. According to the National Shrine’s website, the circular garden symbolizes eternity and has the life-size limestone statue of the Virgin Mary, called ‘Mary, Protector of the Faith.’ The statue by Jon-Joseph Russo portrays the Blessed Mother lovingly cradling infant Jesus. The statue stands in honor of fifth director of the National Shrine, Bishop Thomas J. Grady, who oversaw the construction of the Great Upper Church. The garden and statue were dedicated by Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States in 2000. The rector of the basilica, Monsignor Walter Rossi said in a statement to CNA that the damage done was noticed around 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 15 by a visitor praying the rosary in Mary’s Garden and he reported the same to a staff. Rossi added that the damage looked like a recent one since security staff inspects the garden as a part of regular rounds. “Although saddened that acts of this nature take place, I am more concerned about the individuals who perpetrate such activity and pray for their healing,” Rossi said. The DC Metropolitan Police Department said the event was under investigation as a potential hate-bias offense. The supervisory public affairs specialist for the Metropolitan Police Department, Tom Lynch told CNA via email that there was currently no reliable suspect information to distribute. This is not the lone instance of vandalism at the Marian shrine. A marble statue of Our Lady of Fatima reportedly worth $250,000, outside the National Shrine, was vandalised severely in 2021. In 2022, a pro-abortion group was widely condemned by Catholics, including Cardinal Wilton Gregory of Washington for projecting pro-choice slogans on the facade of the National Shrine during a Mass and Holy Hour, on the eve of the March for Life.

Assailant vandalizes Mother Mary’s statue at DC’s National Shrine

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A protest against blasphemy laws in Pakistan. Wikimedia Commons

Blasphemy

blasphemy cases

Pakistan

Pakistani Christian

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A human rights group in Pakistan has stressed the importance of fair trials in the wake of the acquittal of Younis Masih, a Christian accused of blasphemy. The Center for Legal Aid, Assistance, and Settlement (CLAAS) highlighted the risks posed by false accusations. Social and religious tensions in Pakistan's Punjab province, notably in the Faisalabad region, have eased following the release of Masih, who had been arrested on blasphemy charges filed by Susan Fatima.&nbsp; He was recently acquitted and released from police custody. Fatima accused him of breaking into her home, assaulting her, and insulting the Quran, with her family's recent conversion to Islam adding a layer of complexity to the situation. Masih voluntarily cooperated with the authorities, presenting himself to clarify the incident. Local Christians rallied behind him, asserting his innocence and condemning the allegations as baseless. Subsequently, Fatima was also apprehended, prompting further investigation into the matter. CLAAS said this development underscores the necessity of conducting thorough investigations to establish truth and accountability in cases involving blasphemy accusations. In Faisalabad, lawyer Aneeqa Maria Anthony, representing Masih's family, praised the positive handling of the case, which has helped rebuild trust within the Christian community in the authorities' commitment to justice and the protection of individual rights regardless of religious affiliation. Pastor Shakoor Alam of Jaranwala suggested that the incident might be rooted in a land dispute, with the blasphemy charge potentially exploited as a tactic. He emphasized the police's duty to uncover the truth and prevent the misuse of blasphemy laws in personal disputes. Nasir Saeed, Director of CLAAS, highlighted the broader issue of blasphemy law abuse in Pakistan, commending the police for their discernment in investigating the matter and securing Masih's release while apprehending Fatima. However, Saeed cautioned against the prevalence of such cases, warning of the dire consequences of leaving them unaddressed, citing the collective attack in Jaranwala last year fueled by similar blasphemy allegations. Looking ahead, Saeed emphasized the incoming Pakistani government's responsibility to enact legal reforms to prevent further injustices and uphold the rights of all citizens. Under the Pakistan Penal Code, blasphemy offenses carry severe penalties, including death or life imprisonment, as outlined in Articles 295-a, 295-b, and 295-c collectively known as the ‘Blasphemy Law,’ specifically targeting insults to Islam.

Rights group highlights need for thorough probe into blasphemy charges in Pakistan

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Asia/Oceania

Sneha Soloman

Eucharistic Congress

eucharistic congress usa

National eucharistic revival

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The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has opened registration for the 2024 National Eucharistic Congress, which aims to renew the Catholic Church through the Eucharist. On July 17–21, the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis will host the event, which is expected to draw around 70,000 participants. The Congress, themed "From the Four Corners," will bring together the four branches of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage to promote solidarity. Taking a page out of the Emmaus story, participants will bring their flawed hearts to God in the hopes of receiving illumination through the breaking of bread. Because it will be the first U.S. National Eucharistic Congress held after WWII, Catholics are looking forward to it with great anticipation. The organizers called it a "milestone moment" to experience Jesus through the holy Eucharist. Believers are expected to get nearer to the real Lord during this monumental gathering. Various activities will be held close to the stadium during the Congress. These include catechetical workshops, Mass seating in the arena, evening concerts, and a vendor hall with over 200 Catholic groups. There will be special programs for children from 12 to 18 years old to make it a welcoming environment for families. A diverse range of people are expected to attend the event. Cardinal Christophe Pierre, Bishop Robert Barron, and Father Mike Schmitz are among the speakers at the Congress. Master of Ceremonies roles will be handled by Montse Alvarado, Father Josh Johnson, and Sister Miriam James Heidland. The National Eucharistic Congress' Executive Director, Tim Glemkowski, is optimistic that the movement will bring healing, conversion, and unity to the Church by the power of the Holy Spirit. The 2024 National Eucharistic Congress promises to be a remarkable and life-changing experience for everyone who participates, owing to its focus on prayer, worship, and the power of the Eucharist.

Registration opens for the 2024 National Eucharistic Congress

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People gather during a protest after the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, at Catalunya Square, Barcelona, Spain, February 16. REUTERS

Russia

Alexei Navalny

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More than 400 individuals have been detained at gatherings spanning 32 cities in Russia since the death of Alexei Navalny, President Vladimir Putin's prominent opponent, according to the rights group OVD-Info. This marks the most extensive round of arrests at political assemblies in the country since September 2022, when over 1,300 were detained during protests against Putin's military actions in Ukraine, involving the "partial mobilization" of reservists.Navalny, a former lawyer aged 47, tragically passed away on Friday after losing consciousness during a walk at the "Polar Wolf" Arctic penal colony, where he was serving a lengthy sentence, as confirmed by the prison service.The bulk of the arrests occurred in St. Petersburg and Moscow, where Navalny had garnered considerable support. As of 2000 GMT on Saturday, over 200 individuals had been apprehended in St. Petersburg alone. However, Russian state news agencies, directly controlled by the Kremlin, have made no mention of these incidents. Similarly, there has been no coverage of the hundreds of individuals across Russia who have continued to gather and lay flowers at impromptu memorials for Navalny, despite defying authorities.Navalny's death has dealt a significant blow to the disjointed Russian opposition, leaving them without their most prominent leader as Putin gears up for the March presidential election – an election widely perceived as a formality to maintain Putin's grip on power until at least 2030. His sudden death sparked international outrage with Western leaders, including US President Joe Biden blaming Putin.Footage captured by Reuters in St. Petersburg depicted numerous individuals congregating at a monument dedicated to victims of repression. They laid flowers and candles, sang hymns, embraced each other, and shed tears in mourning. OVD-Info also documented individual detentions in smaller cities across Russia, ranging from Belgorod, where seven people were killed in a Ukrainian missile strike, to Vorkuta, an Arctic mining town that was once a hub for Stalin-era gulag labor camps.In a show of solidarity, residents of Luhansk, now under Russian control, laid flowers in Navalny's honor at a monument commemorating victims of Joseph Stalin’s regime. Elsewhere, flowers were laid at a monument honoring heroes of the early 20th-century Russian Revolution. Despite efforts by authorities to remove the floral tributes, they continue to reappear, as noted by the online news outlet SOTA.In Moscow, Reuters footage captured law enforcement personnel forcibly detaining individuals near a location where mourners had left flowers and messages supporting Navalny's cause. OVD-Info emphasized that the actual number of detainees could surpass those listed publicly, as they only publish the names of individuals whose detention they can reliably verify. At the time of reporting, Reuters was unable to independently verify the total count of detentions, and police declined to comment on the matter.

'Over 400 mourners of Putin's rival Navalny detained across Russia'

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Europe

March for the Martyrs

Washington DC

Christian Persecution

Gia Chacon

Jim Caviezel

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The fifth annual ‘March for the Martyrs’ will take place on April 27 in Washington DC and free registrations have started for the same. The rally is conducted every year in solidarity with the persecuted Christians across the globe, and hundreds of people have been participating in the event. Participants can listen to testimonies of persecution survivors, take part in songs of praise and worship and get inspired as they participate in the march. The key speakers include Gia Chacon and Jim Caviezel. The March for the Martyrs, commencing from the National Mall, Washington DC at 3 pm, will pass through the streets of Washington and will conclude with a Night of Prayer for the Persecuted at the Museum of the Bible at 5 pm. Being a completely family-friendly event, more and more people are encouraged and invited to rally, march and stay for the evening conference. The annual rally for persecuted Christians was started in 2020 by a Christian activist and founder of ‘For the Martyrs,’ Gia Chacon.

Annual ‘March for Martyrs’ scheduled for April 27 with Jim Caviezel as a key speaker

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Gaza

Israel- Palestine War

holyland

holyland christians

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A Christian aid organization operating in the Gaza Strip has reported that nearly 30 Christians have lost their lives since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict last October.&nbsp;Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), a longstanding charity founded in the aftermath of World War II, disclosed that "a total of 30 Christians have died since the conflict began," citing data from the Project Development Office of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. The casualties include "17 individuals affected by the strike on the Greek Orthodox parish compound in October 2023, as well as two women killed by snipers in the Catholic parish of the Holy Family," according to ACN. Additionally, nearly a dozen more have succumbed to chronic illnesses that went untreated due to the circumstances. The strike on the Greek Orthodox church in October resulted in the tragic deaths of several children. The killings of the two women by snipers garnered widespread condemnation, including from Pope Francis. However, the Israel Defense Forces have consistently denied responsibility for their deaths. In addition to the violence, the region is grappling with a persistent humanitarian crisis. ACN noted that the scarcity of fuel and electricity has rendered water pumps inoperable, forcing residents to manually extract water from wells. Access to medical care has also deteriorated significantly, and even basic tasks such as charging cell phones have become challenging. ACN has collaborated with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem to provide essential aid, including medicine, food, and funding for medical procedures. However, the widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure has cast uncertainty on the future of Christians in the region. According to a project partner, 62% of houses have been destroyed, and the reconstruction process is expected to extend for decades. The plight of Christians in the area remains uncertain, prompting a plea for prayers and solidarity from those aware of their suffering. Meanwhile, reports indicate that a Jewish student at Columbia University is suing the institution over what she perceives as a surge in antisemitism following the October 7 terrorist attack on Israel. Mackenzie Forrest, a 23-year-old graduate student, filed the lawsuit against the Ivy League school, alleging discrimination due to her Orthodox Jewish faith and observance of the Sabbath, as per Bloomberg News. Forrest said protests advocating for the genocide of Jews and the circulation of antisemitic materials within the School of Social Work, where she was enrolled, created an overtly hostile environment after the Hamas attack on Israel. She claims that the university's failure to enforce its own conduct rules to prevent antisemitic harassment and intimidation violated her rights under Title VI of the US Civil Rights Act of 1964. Brooke Goldstein, Founder and Executive Director of the Lawfare Project, said that Columbia University neglected to protect Forrest from antisemitism and instead engaged in a retaliatory campaign. Forrest sought accommodations to continue her studies remotely due to safety concerns but alleges that the university dismissed her request, even suggesting that she might fail if she did not participate in the in-person program. The complaint also mentions an incident where Forrest's academic advisor dismissed her safety concerns and refused her request to attend classes online, despite allowing others to do so for different reasons. Additionally, before joining the program, Forrest informed Professor André Ivanoff, the program's director, of her Sabbath observance, to which Ivanoff allegedly responded with ambivalence. Forrest eventually withdrew from the program, claiming that the university administration attempted to portray her withdrawal as voluntary, despite it being influenced by the unsafe environment and lack of accommodation. Similar lawsuits have been initiated by students at other prestigious universities, including Harvard University, New York University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of California, Berkeley.

‘Over 30 Christians killed in Gaza Strip since start of Israel-Hamas war’

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Members of the mob vandalize a church in Jaranwala

christian persecution pakistan

church demolished in pakistan

Supreme Court Pakistan

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Pakistan's Supreme Court has denounced the Punjab Province government's progress report on anti-Christian violence in Jaranwala, calling it inappropriate and deserving of rejection by saying it is “worthy of being thrown into the dustbin.” The court has directed officials to provide a fresh report on the August 2017 assaults in Jaranwala within 10 days. Following false accusations of Quran desecration, Christians' churches and houses were ransacked and burned down. Qazi Faez Isa, Chief Justice of Pakistan, voiced concern over the case's poor pace, with just 18 charge sheets presented in the previous six months. He also expressed worries about minorities' safety, wondering if Pakistan wants&nbsp;to follow India's predicament, where minorities are not safe. The court criticized the investigating authorities for their poor pace in identifying the perpetrators of the crime. The chief of police acknowledged that Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan, a Muslim extremist political group, was responsible for the assault. In the meantime, the court ordered an extensive probe and warned of suspensions if no progress was made. It stressed the need to work together to oppose extremism and foster interfaith tolerance. Church and community leaders have voiced their support for the Chief Justice's ruling, which they believe will bring justice to Jaranwala's Christians. Bishop Azad Marshall, the president of the Church of Pakistan, commended the chief justice for hearing their concerns and holding responsible individuals accountable. The latest Supreme Court intervention has given the Christian community hope, according to Catholic priest Rev. Khalid Mukhtar. Samuel Makson, a rights activist, expressed gratitude, adding that the court's intervention had resurrected dormant cases. Christians in Pakistan have endured brutality, prejudice, and blasphemy legislation ever since the nation gained its independence. Christian schools, churches, and religious minorities are the targets of blasphemy law abuse, sectarian violence, and religious fanaticism, which are the driving forces behind this persecution. Pakistan is listed seventh on the 2024 World Watch List as one of the most difficult places for Christians. The government has experienced criticism for how it treats religious minorities, with recent assaults underscoring the need for safety. The Supreme Court's demand for interfaith unity and equitable treatment is seen as a promising beginning toward tackling these issues.

Pakistan's Supreme Court rejects government report on anti-Christian violence

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Maria Thomas

Pope Francis at the General Audience. File Photo, Vatican Media

Old age

World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly

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Pope Francis released the theme for the fourth ‘World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly’ on Thursday. The Holy Father has chosen ‘Do not cast me off in my old age’, taken from Psalm 71 as the theme for the day. Catholics around the world are invited to celebrate the day on July 28 this year, to commemorate the heritage and wisdom passed onto them by the elderly. The Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life in a press release published the theme which depicts the plea of an elderly person who reflects on the story of his friendship with God. “By cherishing the charisms of grandparents and the elderly, and the contribution they make to the life of the Church, the World Day seeks to support the efforts of every ecclesial community to forge bonds between the generations and to combat loneliness, in the awareness that – as Scripture states – “It is not good for man to be alone” (Gen 2:18),” reads the press release. The Prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, Cardinal Kevin Farrell upon expressing his gratitude to the Holy Father for selecting the theme said, “It is the ‘prayer of an elderly person’, which reminds us that, unfortunately, loneliness is a widespread reality, which afflicts many elderly people, often victims of the throwaway culture and considered a burden to society.” “Faced with this reality, families and the ecclesial community are called to be at the forefront in promoting a culture of encounter, to create spaces for sharing, listening, to offer support and affection: thus the love of Gospel becomes concrete,” said the prelate. Cardinal Farrell also pointed out that this year’s celebration would have a deeper and broader meaning as the year 2024 is dedicated to prayer. “Our communities, with their tenderness and affectionate attention that does not forget its most fragile members, are called to manifest the love of God, who never abandons anyone,” added the Cardinal. Pope Francis established the celebration of the World Day dedicated to the Grandparents and the Elderly in 2021. Every year, the day would be celebrated on the fourth Sunday of July, which is around the feast day of Christ’s grandparents St. Joachim and Anne.

Pope Francis has released the theme for 4th ‘World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly’ 

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A view of the spire from the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral is seen, as restoration works continue in Paris, France, on Feb. 13, 2024.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Paris

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Nearly five years later, the Notre Dame Cathedral’s spire that was consumed in a dreadful devastating fire once again now appears sky-high.&nbsp;The new spire, adorned with a golden rooster and a cross, was unveiled as the scaffolding was taken down recently. The rooster, symbolizing resilience and renewal, is equated to a phoenix with flaming feathers which has risen from ashes. The chief architect of historical sites, Philippe Villeneuve designed the flame-shaped rooster. French President Emmanuel Macron, upon expressing his delight at latest the development, posted on X, “It appears again in the sky! French pride.” More than 70,000 pieces of scaffolding weighing nearly 600 tons were used to protect the spire. The 850-year-old cathedral dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary is scheduled to reopen in December 2024. Macron, who visited the site in December last year, remarked, “Since April 2019, the entire nation has been rebuilding.” He added, “And it’s very moving to be here a year before. You can see the extraordinary progress of the work on this nave, the choir and the frames and the spire.” The French President also extended an invitation to the Holy Father to the reopening of the cathedral in December. Architect Eugene Viollet-le-Duc added the 315-foot-tall spire during the restoration in the 19th century. The original 78-meter-tall spire, which also functioned as a bell tower, was built from 1220 to 1230 and was taken down in the 18th century as it was damaged. On April 15, 2019, a raging fire swallowed the Cathedral’s roof and led to the collapse of the spire. Two days later, the President set a five-year deadline to restore the cathedral. More than €840 million was collected from the donors by September 2021, to pace up the rebuilding efforts.

Notre Dame Cathedral spire skylines five years after inferno 

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Christians in Nigeria

The Commission of Bishops' Conferences of the European Community (COMECE) has welcomed the European Parliament (EP) resolution that condemned the recent attacks against Christians in Nigeria. Expressing their grave concern over the Christian persecutions in Nigeria, the European Bishops, in their statement, urged the EU institutions to give a more decisive and robust response to Islamist terrorism in Nigeria. The General Secretary of COMECE Father Manuel Barrios Prieto said, “It should no longer be tolerated that all these crimes remain unaccountable. The Nigerian government has a responsibility to protect its citizens, including systematically persecuted Christian communities.” “Environmental and economic pressures cannot sufficiently explain the ferocity of the attacks and their coordinated and systematic patterns committed by Fulani Islamist terrorists,” he added. COMECE called on the European Union to take strong measures in line with its legislation and also to employ diplomatic channels to ensure the protection of all citizens in Nigeria. They said, “In this context, the EU Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief and the EU Special Representative for Human Rights could also give a valuable contribution.” The resolution that the EP adopted on February 8 urged the Nigerian authorities to take action against militant Islamist groups exploiting the farmer-herder conflict. The resolution also condemned the Christmas Eve attacks that took place in Nigeria’s Plateau State, which killed over 335 people, including at least 200 members of Christian communities. It called on the Nigerian authorities for an independent investigation to ensure that those responsible for the attack are held accountable for it. The resolution welcomed the strong partnership between the EU and Nigeria and called for it to be deepened further in the areas of security, mediation, interreligious and intercultural dialogue, and peace-building. Global Christian Relief report on Christian Persecution in Nigeria revealed,&nbsp;“In any given year, the number of Christians killed by extremist groups is rarely less than 4000.” It added, “At least 52,250 persecuted Christians have been killed in the past fourteen years, simply for the crime of being Christian.” Nigeria ranks 6 in the Open Doors 2024 World WatchList, which ranks countries based on the level of Christian persecution. It said, “More believers are killed for their faith in Nigeria each year, than everywhere else in the world combined.”

European Bishops welcome European Parliament’s denunciation of Christian persecution in Nigeria