June 24: Africa

Pray 

Pray for our brothers and sisters in many parts of Africa who suffer violent religious persecution. 

Reflect 

Extremist violence continues to spread in a number of countries on the African continent. Christians, Muslims, and other people of faith are frequently targeted by campaigns of mass killings, abductions, and forced displacement. In 2025, hundreds of Christians were massacred in targeted attacks in Nigeria’s Middle Belt. In northern regions of the country, thousands of Christian and Muslim civilians were kidnapped or killed by religious extremist entities, including Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa (ISWAP), as well as other armed groups. In the eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), also referred to as Islamic State-Democratic Republic of Congo (ISIS-DRC), has exploited ongoing insecurity and conflict to attack churches, including murdering worshipers at prayer. The growth of terrorist violence by religious extremist groups in many countries in the Sahel - including Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger - has taken many thousands of lives, displaced millions, and continues to inflict widespread trauma on vulnerable young people. In northern Mozambique, there has been a resurgence in violent attacks by an ISIS affiliate organization, targeting churches, religious leaders, and civilians. Pope Leo XIV has prayed: “that all violence may cease and that believers may work together for the common good.” 

Act 
Build solidarity with fellow Christians, and other people of faith, in Africa by learning about the persecution they face and praying for an end to violence. Reflect on “Brothers and Sisters in Hope, a joint statement on International Assistance and Mutual Solidarity between the Bishops and Faithful of the United States and Africa” and the homily at the recent Mass for Solidarity, given by Bishop Stephen Dami Mamza of the Diocese of Yola, Nigeria.