Concern for safety of priests and religious
ACN has expressed concern for the safety of priests and religious around the world. Priests are frequently attacked and kidnapped by terrorist and criminal groups around the world.
By ACN Staff
Dr. Thomas Heine-Geldern. (Credit: Aid to the Church in Need)
Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has expressed concern for the safety of priests and religious around the world. In 2021, there has been reported to have been at least 17 priests murdered and 20 kidnapped. Priests are at risk of attack at all times of day and night, and also in all places such as churches and at home.
ACN’s Night of the Witnesses 2021 in France. (Credit: Laurence Mullenders/ACN)
The executive president of ACN International, Dr. Thomas Heine-Geldern, said the following of the attacks:
“Being a priest or religious does not make a person immune to violence. On the contrary, it can make them more of a target. Sometimes the motive is financial, whether robbery or ransom. Sometimes the attackers want to silence the prophetic voice of the Church denouncing injustice and violence. But there is also increasing aggression based on persecution and the lack of religious freedom.”
The situation is particularly bad in Nigeria, where priests are frequently kidnapped. These kidnappings are carried out by Islamist groups, Fulani herdsmen and criminal gangs. Mexico is also seeing attacks on priests. Just this year three priests and one catechist were killed in separate attacks. Similar incidents take place in countries as far ranging as Venezuela, Haiti, South Sudan, and Burkina Faso. Even in countries such as France, priests have been targeted. Just this August, Fr. Olivier Maire was murdered by a man staying with him. The individual believed to have murdered Fr. Olivier was preparing to stand trial for setting Nantes Cathedral on fire.
Dr. Heine-Geldern explained that priests are an essential support to vulnerable communities living around the world:
“When security is fragile and everybody has left, the priests, religious and lay Catholic missionaries remain, and their dedication to serve others puts them in the firing line. They need our prayers and support more than ever.”
ACN supports priests working in the most difficult circumstance around the world. If you would like to help us in our work, please consider making a donation. Please also keep priests in your prayers.