The evolution of the persecution of Christians throughout history

The persecution of Christians has been a constant since the beginning of Christianity, adapting to the social and political circumstances of each era. From the first centuries to the present, millions of believers have been victims of religious intolerance, facing violence, discrimination and exclusion.

In the first centuries, Christians were harshly persecuted by the Roman Empire, being considered a threat to the social order and pagan beliefs. The emperors Nero and Diocletian led some of the most brutal persecutions, which included torture, executions and martyrdoms. However, the situation changed dramatically in the 4th century with the conversion of Emperor Constantine and the legalization of Christianity in the Edict of Milan (313 AD), which allowed the Christian faith to spread rapidly in Europe.

During the Middle Ages, Christians faced internal and external conflicts. The Crusades, heresies and tensions with other religions, such as Islam, marked a period of religious struggles. In addition, the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century sparked wars and persecutions between Catholics and Protestants in Europe, leading to deep divisions within Christianity.

In the modern era, persecution has taken different forms. During the 20th century, communist regimes such as those in the Soviet Union, China, and North Korea carried out systematic repression of Christians, with thousands of churches closed and believers imprisoned or executed. Today, more than 360 million Christians around the world face some form of persecution, with countries such as North Korea, Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan leading the way as the worst violators of religious freedom.

Persecution of Christians has evolved over the centuries, but remains a global reality affecting millions of people today.