Vatican News reported on the World Watch List 2026, the latest report by Open Doors on persecuted Christians around the world, which found that the number of Christians, who are exposed to persecution and at risk of suffering violence, rose by 8 million in 2025, reaching a record 388 million.
“Unfortunately, this is once again a record year,” said Cristian Nani, Open Doors Director. “Of these 388 million, 201 million are women or girls, while 110 million are minors under the age of 15.”
At the same time, the number of countries with a level of anti-Christian persecution that can be described as “extreme” has risen from 13 to 15. North Korea remains the most dangerous country to be Christian, while the list of countries with alarming levels of persecution also includes Somalia, Eritrea, Libya, Afghanistan, Yemen, Sudan, Mali, Nigeria, Pakistan, Iran, India, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar, and Syria.
In sub-Saharan Africa, after a decline, the number of killings of Christians has risen again, increasing from 4,476 to 4,849, the equivalent of 13 a day, with Nigeria confirmed as the hotspot of violence, with 3,490 victims, about 70% of the global total of people killed.
Let us remember to pray for all who are persecuted for their faith.
Read the full article on Vatican News here.
Picture above: Crucifix at San Pedro Church in Cuenca