As 2024 comes to a close, the Fides News Agency, a service of the Pontifical Missionary Societies, has released its annual report documenting the deaths of Catholic missionaries around the world. This year, the report records the tragic loss of 13 individuals—eight priests and five laypeople—who dedicated their lives to serving vulnerable communities in regions often marked by violence, poverty, and social injustice.
The Fides report adopts an inclusive definition of "missionary," encompassing all Catholics involved in pastoral work who were killed while living out their faith. These deaths, while not always meeting the formal criteria for martyrdom, underline the profound risks undertaken by those committed to promoting peace, justice, and the Gospel in troubled areas.
Africa and South America emerged as the most dangerous continents for missionary work, with five deaths recorded in each region. Countries affected in Africa included Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Africa, while in South America, incidents occurred in Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and Brazil. The report also documents two deaths in Europe, specifically in Poland and Spain, highlighting that even relatively peaceful regions are not immune to violence against missionaries.
The report remembers individuals like Edmond Bahati Monja, a journalist and coordinator for Radio Maria in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo. Monja was tragically shot while investigating armed group violence in the North Kivu Region. His work symbolized the struggle for justice in a war-torn area. Another tragic case is that of Juan Antonio López, a lay missionary from Honduras, who was murdered after exposing corruption and the growing ties between local governments and criminal organizations.
Since 2000, Fides has documented the deaths of 608 missionaries and pastoral workers worldwide. Reflecting on their sacrifices, Pope Francis has emphasized their enduring spiritual impact. Speaking on the feast of St. Stephen, the Pope noted: “The seed of their sacrifices, which seems to die, germinates, and bears fruit. God continues to work miracles through them, changing hearts and saving men and women.”
The annual Fides report serves as a sobering reminder of the sacrifices made by missionaries and pastoral workers globally. It invites the Catholic community to honor their memory, support ongoing missionary efforts, and pray for the safety of those who continue to serve in the face of adversity.
This report underscores the vital role missionaries play in the Church's mission and their unwavering commitment to promoting peace, justice, and the Gospel, often at great personal cost.