Pope praises ACN's devotion to persecuted Christians

Dr Caroline Hull with Pope Leo

Source: Aid to the Church in Need

Pope Leo XIV has stressed the importance of Aid to the Church in Need's commitment to supporting persecuted Christians at a time when they and other religious minorities are falling victim to increased violence and discrimination. At a private audience today (Friday, 10th October) in the Vatican with leaders and other senior staff from the Catholic charity, the Pontiff stressed the centrality of religious freedom as a fundamental human right.

Attending the meeting was Dr Caroline Hull, National Director, ACN (UK), who presented the Pope with an icon from Ukraine, where the charity has provided significant spiritual and emergency support.

In his address, the Pope told the ACN delegation: "Your visit is timely, for our world continues to witness rising hostility and violence against those who hold different convictions, including many Christians. In contrast, your mission proclaims that, as one family in Christ, we do not abandon our persecuted brothers and sisters. Rather, we remember them, we stand with them, and we labour to secure their God-given freedoms."

The Holy Father underlined that "the right to religious freedom is not optional but essential", describing it as "a cornerstone of any just society, for it safeguards the moral space in which conscience may be formed and exercised".

He added: "Religious freedom, therefore, is not merely a legal right or a privilege granted to us by governments. It is a foundational condition that makes authentic reconciliation possible."

Pope Leo XIV also recalled the origins of ACN, which was founded in 1947, saying its mission has always been to "foster forgiveness and reconciliation, and to accompany and give a voice to the Church wherever she is in need, wherever she is threatened, wherever she suffers".

The American Pope, who has dual nationality with Peru, also expressed his gratitude for the support he received from ACN between 2014 and 2023 when he served the Diocese of Chiclayo.

He added: "Your commitment also extends to supporting the Church's mission across the world by reaching communities that are too often isolated, marginalised or under pressure.

"Wherever Aid to the Church in Need rebuilds a chapel, supports a religious sister, or provides for a radio station or a vehicle, you strengthen the life of the Church, as well as the spiritual and moral fabric of society."

Dr Caroline Hull said it was an "honour representing ACN (UK) benefactors and staff" as she presented the pontiff with the icon of Our Lady of Victories, a copy of the original which was blessed on Tuesday (7th) at a cathedral in Aldershot, Hampshire.

Dr Hull said: "To be in a room with 27 ACN staff and trustees from around the world and the Holy Father was a once in a lifetime experience - when I bowed my head for his final blessing, I did it not for myself, but I stood for all ACN benefactors and staff in the UK.

"I had the privilege of presenting Pope Leo with a copy of an icon of Our Lady of Victories. This beautiful icon was written by an ACN project partner in Ukraine."

The delegation on Friday morning was led by Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, ACN's International President, and Regina Lynch, Executive President, and included representatives from many of its 23 national offices.

The Pope was given an advance copy of ACN's Religious Freedom in the World Report 2025, which will be launched on 21st October.
Also present at the meeting was Tim Church, chair of the board of trustees of ACN (UK).

He said: "The Holy Father strongly endorsed Aid to the Church in Need's mission of supporting our persecuted and suffering brothers and sisters in Christ, calling upon his own experience of our support for his diocese in Peru."