Pope Leo XIV warns of the increase in persecution against Christians in the world

During a ceremony held this Sunday at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome, Pope Leo XIV issued a stark warning: the harassment, condemnation, and murder of Christians continues and has even increased in certain parts of the world. The event served to commemorate the modern martyrs of the 21st century, on the day of his 70th birthday.

The pontiff asserted that many people, amid adverse circumstances, carry on their shoulders “the same cross of the Lord.” He added that, like Jesus, they are persecuted, judged, and murdered for maintaining their faith.

In his speech, he recalled recent examples: such as Dorothy Stang, an environmental activist and defender of the landless in Brazil; and Ragheed Ganni, an Iraqi priest executed for refusing to close his church in the face of the Islamic State.

Leo XIV lamented that, although many of the great dictatorships of the 20th century have ended, that does not mean the end of religious persecution. Indeed, he emphasized that a resurgence of these practices is being observed in several countries.

The Pope also paid tribute to those who have died for their commitment to the Gospel, justice, and religious freedom. He referred to the work of religious, priests, and lay people, noting that many paid with their lives for their faith and solidarity with the most vulnerable.

A recent report by the Vatican Commission for New Martyrs documented around 1,700 cases of Christians killed in the last 25 years for their faith. Africa is the region hardest hit in terms of the number of victims.

The Pope concluded by urging us not to forget these people, affirming that the blood of martyrs can become the seed of new believers, and he encouraged everyone to bear witness to the faith with courage and hope to build a peaceful humanity.