ACN Ireland - Aid to the Church in Need

16/06/2026

FIFA World Cup: 14 of the competing nations are marked by religious persecution or discrimination

As 48 countries prepare to battle for the World Cup, religious freedom remains an elusive goal for one in every three nations competing .   The 2026 FIFA World Cup, taking place from 11 June to 19 July across the United States, Mexico and Canada, has brought together 48 nations for the

11/06/2026

Ireland’s bishops have commended the work of papal charity Aid to the Church in Need, which works with persecuted and suffering Christians, and called for greater awareness of the plight of those who are persecuted for their faith. After their summer general meeting held in Maynooth this week, the

10/06/2026

URGENT SITUATION IN SOUTH LEBANON

Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has received with deep concern the urgent appeal issued by Archbishop Georges Iskandar, Melkite Greek Catholic Archbishop of Tyre, regarding the growing insecurity affecting the city of Tyre in Southern Lebanon and, in particular, its historic Old Quarter.
At this critical moment, ACN expresses its solidarity with the local Church and with all the civilians who remain in the city, especially families, children, the elderly, and the most vulnerable. We are particularly concerned for the safety of the inhabitants of the historic Christian quarter and for the preservation of a Christian presence that has been rooted in Tyre since apostolic times.
Tyre occupies a unique place in the history of Christianity and in the spiritual heritage of Lebanon. Its churches, communities, and historic neighborhoods are living witnesses to centuries of faith, coexistence, and resilience. Any threat to civilian lives, places of worship, or this precious religious and cultural heritage is a cause of profound concern.
Over the years, ACN has accompanied and supported families living in the Old Quarter of Tyre. We know these communities personally. We have visited their homes, prayed in their churches, and witnessed their determination to maintain a Christian presence in this historic city despite numerous challenges. For this reason, the current threats facing the civilian population and the historic Christian quarter are of particular concern to us.
Today, our thoughts and prayers are especially with these families and with all those facing renewed uncertainty and fear.
ACN joins the appeal of the local Church and calls on all those with responsibility and influence to do everything possible to prevent further suffering, displacement, and destruction. We urge all parties to respect human dignity, safeguard non-combatants, and protect religious sites and historic communities.
In these difficult days, we entrust the people of Tyre and all the people of Lebanon to the mercy of God. We pray for peace, security, and stability, and we reaffirm our commitment to stand alongside the local Church as it continues to serve those affected by fear, uncertainty, and conflict.
May God protect the people of Tyre, preserve Lebanon, and grant peace to the region.

08/06/2026

Thanks to Archbishop Eamon Martin for dropping by our stand at the All-Ireland Rosary Rally in Knock. What a huge turnout, and such a blessed occasion.

05/06/2026

03/06/2026

In a divided world, the noble ideals of sport offer a chance for people to set aside divisions and come together for peaceful co-existence.

29/05/2026

Please join with our Holy Father Pope Leo, who will tomorrow evening, May 30, lead a global rosary for peace from the Vatican gardens ay 7pm local time (6pm in Ireland). The ACN community will be praying with the Pope, will you join with us? Please like and share to your friends.

16/05/2026

Our dear friend from Palestine, Bishop Shomali will celebrate Mass tomorrow morning at 11am in St Mary’s Cathedral, Marlborough Street, Dublin 1 - you are all very welcome.