Vatican City: Aid to the Church in Need has elected Austrian Msgr. Friedrich Bechina as the new coordinator of the Pontifical Foundation during an assembly held in Rome, with a renewed focus on supporting persecuted Christians and strengthening evangelization.
The foundation, established nearly 80 years ago, now works in more than 140 countries. It cooperates with more than 1,300 dioceses and supports over 5,000 projects each year. It also has National Sections in 24 countries, supported by Ecclesiastical Assistants who help promote the spiritual life of the foundation.
After his election, Msgr. Bechina spoke about Pope Leo XIV’s longstanding connection with the foundation. He recalled that when the Pope was a bishop in Peru, he worked with Aid to the Church in Need as one of its project partners.
During their recent meeting in Rome, the Ecclesiastical Assistants attended the Pope’s General Audience, where they were able to meet him briefly and take a photograph together.
Msgr. Bechina said the assembly also gave participants an opportunity to meet the foundation’s new president, Cardinal Kurt Koch, who heads the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, and to develop a deeper understanding of the universal Church.
He stressed that the foundation’s work depends on the generosity of its benefactors. Its mission goes beyond financial support, focusing on projects that strengthen local Churches through evangelization and pastoral assistance.
Aid to the Church in Need also seeks to draw attention to Christians and Churches that face persecution because of their faith. Msgr. Bechina said these communities should not be seen only as recipients of assistance, but also as communities with their own spiritual riches and hope to share.
He said evangelization remains central to the foundation’s mission. Its support includes building churches and helping priests, lay people and consecrated men and women prepare to proclaim the Word of God.
The foundation does not focus on areas such as water purification or medical assistance, which are handled more extensively by other Catholic organisations.
The Middle East remains an important area of concern. Msgr. Bechina noted that many churches have been destroyed and Christian communities displaced. Through the support of benefactors, the foundation helps local Christian communities, priests and religious remain in their homes and countries and continue their mission.
Africa is another major area of support, particularly in priestly formation. Msgr. Bechina said the foundation currently assists 250 seminarians or priests who are studying abroad, including some in Rome.
Aid to the Church in Need also provides support to local Churches in countries including Venezuela and Colombia when natural disasters, civil conflict or other crises create urgent needs.
The foundation’s work also includes advocacy and raising awareness about the persecuted Church. Msgr. Bechina said this role can allow the organisation to speak openly about certain issues that the Holy See may not always be able to address publicly in the same way.
Through its financial assistance, evangelization projects and advocacy, Aid to the Church in Need seeks to support local Churches facing hardship while helping them continue their presence and mission.