Advent and a call for solidarity with persecuted Christians

As Advent begins, a time of waiting and preparation in many Christian communities, this period takes on a special significance when viewed alongside the reality faced by millions of believers in various parts of the world. A report by Open Doors warns that, between October 2023 and September 2024, around 380 million Christians lived under “high levels of persecution or discrimination.” And as we know, this is on the rise.

The document goes beyond statistics: it includes reports of violence, arbitrary detentions, loss of fundamental rights, and even murders. These attacks include assaults on churches and religious property, social harassment, and legal or institutional pressure.

For many communities, this Advent can be an invitation to empathy and reflection. This is the understanding of International Trinitarian Solidarity (SIT), which this year proposes experiencing the Christmas season “hand in hand with the saints and persecuted Christians,” integrating into daily prayers the reality of those who suffer for their faith.

The message takes on new meaning when we remember that religious freedom remains fragile: according to the 2025 report cited by ACN, more than 5.4 billion people—almost two-thirds of the world’s population—live in countries where freedom of belief is seriously threatened.

This Advent, then, can be understood as an opportunity to remember those who, in many regions, live in hiding, are persecuted, or marginalized because of their beliefs. Beyond personal reflection, it can become a gesture of solidarity, prayer, and global awareness toward those who suffer for their faith.