Vatican City: The Pontifical Foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has announced a series of new humanitarian and pastoral initiatives aimed at supporting persecuted Christians and victims of conflict across several continents. The Polish branch of the global Catholic charity is spearheading projects in Syria, Lebanon, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Holy Land, and Ukraine, reaffirming its unwavering mission to stand with suffering communities where faith and life are under threat.
Speaking to Vatican News, Fr. Prof. Jan Witold Ć»elazny, Director of the Polish section of ACN, emphasized the Foundationâs continued commitment to being present âwherever people suffer from war and persecution.â He noted, âWe want to remain close to those we have accompanied for years. We cannot leave these people without support now.â
Fr. Ć»elazny shared that ACNâs representatives are preparing to visit Syria and Lebanon in the coming weeks, regions where the organization has long been engaged in rebuilding devastated Christian communities. The Foundation continues to provide essential aid such as housing, education, medical assistance, and pastoral support to those displaced by years of violence.
On October 10, ACN representatives presented their Annual Report on Religious Freedom to Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. During the audience, the Holy Father expressed deep gratitude for the organizationâs steadfast work, reaffirming the Churchâs closeness to the persecuted faithful worldwide. âReligious freedom is not merely a right or a privilege; it is a foundation that makes authentic reconciliation possible,â the Pope said, underscoring the moral and spiritual dimension of ACNâs mission.
Among ACNâs current areas of engagement are Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where people continue to endure violence, displacement, and exploitation over natural resources. âThese are lands blessed with riches but cursed by conflict,â Fr. Ć»elazny observed. âOur upcoming Day of Solidarity in Poland will be dedicated to Nigeria, a country where the faithful suffer daily for their belief in Christ.â
Bishop John Bakeni, who has faced threats to his life for his faith, is expected to visit Poland as part of the event, symbolizing resilience and faith in adversity.
In Bethlehem, ACN volunteers are partnering with the Sisters of St. Elizabeth to provide trauma care and emotional support to children affected by war. âWithout this help, Christianity in the Middle East will face extinction,â Fr. Ć»elazny warned, stressing the urgency of maintaining Christian presence in the Holy Land.
The Foundation also continues its humanitarian operations in Ukraine, particularly in Odessa and nearby regions, delivering aid and pastoral care despite persistent dangers. âIn our work, we live out the Churchâs teaching on love for the poor, as expressed in the recent exhortation Dilexi te,â Fr. Ć»elazny said.
ACNâs outreach extends beyond conflict zones to the cloistered convents in Poland, many of which have lost their property or income. âWe continue to send per capita donations and support monasteries that lack means of livelihood. The sisters tell us that this help is concrete and life-giving,â the director noted.
The Foundation is also deeply involved in supporting the formation of clergy in developing nations. Fr. Ć»elazny recounted a bishop from Cameroon telling him, âIf you can give me just 600 euros more, I can admit one more seminarian.â He added, âWhile some regions lament a lack of vocations, others have an abundance of candidates but their training depends entirely on our support. This shows how vital priestly formation is, both locally and globally.â
During the Vatican audience, Pope Leo XIV recalled that the work of Aid to the Church in Need was born in the aftermath of the Second World War, founded to heal wounds and promote reconciliation. âOur mission was born from forgiveness,â Fr. Ć»elazny reflected. âIt is a love that not only provides material assistance but also teaches the power of forgiveness the foundation of lasting peace.â
With its enduring motto, âWherever people suffer, the Church must be present,â Aid to the Church in Need continues to bridge faith, compassion, and global solidarity offering not only aid but also hope to those who live their faith amid suffering and adversity.