Exile as Policy: Nicaragua Expels Another Priest as Pressure on the Catholic Church Intensifies

Feb 19, 2026 17:12

Reyes Mairena, who had served as a formator at the Major Seminary of León, joins a growing list of clergy either expelled Photo: Radio Veritas Digital

Persecuted Christians•Religious Freedom

Significant drop in arrests of priests in 2025 but deaths increase

The number of kidnappings also dropped slightly compared to 2024 but remains a major problem in parts of Africa.

Feb 03, 2026 19:14

ZENIT Staff

Cardinals and Bishops•Local Church•Persecuted Christians•Religious Freedom

After one month of Nicolás Maduro’s imprisonment, the Venezuelan government restores Cardinal Porras’ passport

The document was returned on Friday, January 30, bringing to an end a month-and-a-half ordeal that began on December 10, when authorities abruptly prevented the 80-year-old prelate from leaving the country

Feb 02, 2026 18:56

ZENIT Staff

Holy Land•Persecuted Christians

Jewish settlers attack Christian family in the West Bank, and the Israeli army arrests… the Christians!

“As a church,” Haddad concluded, “we reaffirm our commitment to justice, peace, and the dignity of every human being.”

Jan 27, 2026 10:04

ZENIT Staff

Persecuted Christians•Religious Freedom

Nicaraguan regime bans urban and rural “door-to-door” missions in the country’s dioceses

The ban affected pastoral outreach scheduled for January 24 as part of the so-called Ecclesiological Year proclaimed by Bishop Sócrates René Sándigo, who governs both the dioceses of León and neighboring Chinandega

Jan 23, 2026 18:28

Enrique Villegas

Persecuted Christians

New Mass Kidnapping of Christians in Nigeria

The region, considered strategic because it is located in a transition zone between the predominantly Muslim north and the predominantly Christian south, has frequently been targeted by criminal group and armed militias, which operate by taking advantage of the weak State presence in rural areas.

Jan 21, 2026 17:38

ZENIT Staff

Reflections by Leo XIV on certain elements that constitute the sacred liturgy, such as rite, sign, and symbol

The Pope’s General Audience, June 3, 2026, on certain elements that constitute the sacred liturgy, such as rites, signs, and symbols

Threats of Islamist attacks come to light during Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Spain

The propaganda poster, distributed through online channels associated with Islamist extremism, targets several of the Pope’s most prominent public appearances during his June visit

Exile as Policy: Nicaragua Expels Another Priest as Pressure on the Catholic Church Intensifies

Mass Abductions, Empty Villages and a New U.S. Military Footprint in Nigeria

The persecution continues: more than 50 people kidnapped in Christian districts of Nigeria

Jewish settlers attack the only entirely Christian village in the Holy Land once again, according to the Catholic parish priest himself

10 Years On: Recognition of ISIS Genocide Must Lead to Renewed Action to Protect Religious Minorities

Ethiopia: Catholic compound trashed and looted by clashing ethnic tribes

Convent, Catholic Hospital, and two Protestant Churches attacked in North-Central Nigeria

Significant drop in arrests of priests in 2025 but deaths increase

After one month of Nicolás Maduro’s imprisonment, the Venezuelan government restores Cardinal Porras’ passport

Jewish settlers attack Christian family in the West Bank, and the Israeli army arrests… the Christians!

Nicaraguan regime bans urban and rural “door-to-door” missions in the country’s dioceses

New Mass Kidnapping of Christians in Nigeria