Munich: In a powerful display of solidarity and compassion, the global Christian community has rallied behind the mission of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), contributing an impressive $150.4 million in 2024 to support persecuted and suffering Christians across the globe. The pontifical charity, headquartered in Königstein, Germany, revealed these figures in its annual report released yesterday, underscoring its continued commitment to the Church in regions afflicted by war, poverty, and religious intolerance.
Despite the prevailing economic instability in many parts of the world, the faithful have remained steadfast in their support of ACN's humanitarian and spiritual outreach. Over the past year, the organization has financed more than 5,300 projects across 137 countries, with a special focus on crisis zones and vulnerable Christian populations. The funding includes an additional $2.4 million allocated from previously reserved resources to meet emerging needs.
Among its global initiatives, Ukraine received the largest single-country allocation in ACN’s history, with $9.1 million directed toward supporting Christian communities devastated by the ongoing conflict. ACN has also prioritized Lebanon ($7.4 million) and India ($6.7 million), responding to both economic collapse and rising threats to religious freedom in those nations.
Africa continues to be the region most dependent on ACN’s assistance, receiving over 30 percent of the charity’s total program aid in 2024. Countries such as Nigeria and Burkina Faso have seen a substantial increase in support due to the deadly rise of terrorist violence, poverty, and anti-Christian persecution. Speaking on this development, Regina Lynch, Executive President of ACN International, stated, “Africa has become both a land of immense suffering and immense hope. While the Church is under threat from Islamist violence, it is also experiencing dynamic growth and deepening faith.”
The charity’s commitment extends beyond immediate humanitarian relief. In 2024, ACN supported the education and formation of approximately 10,000 seminarians roughly one in every eleven seminarians worldwide. This investment in future Church leadership reflects ACN's long-term vision of nurturing resilient faith communities capable of withstanding adversity.
Founded as a response to the devastation of World War II, Aid to the Church in Need has grown into a vital support system for Christians facing oppression and marginalization. From reconstructing churches and monasteries to supplying vehicles for missionaries, funding catechesis programs, and offering trauma support for victims of violence, the organization’s impact is far-reaching.
As global religious persecution continues to surge, particularly in the Middle East, parts of Africa, and South Asia, ACN’s latest report highlights the enduring power of faith and generosity. The outpouring of donations, even in difficult times, stands as a testament to the Church’s universal call to charity, hope, and solidarity with the suffering.