The Holy See’s envoy to the United Nations in Geneva has urged governments to enhance protections for religious freedom, emphasizing that Christianity ranks as the most persecuted religion globally.
In a statement on March 3, Archbishop Ettore Balestrero, the Permanent Monitor of the Holy See to the UN, highlighted that hundreds of millions of Christians suffer persecution due to their beliefs.
“Approximately 400 million Christians face persecution and violence, making them the most targeted religious group,” he noted. “This translates to about one in seven Christians impacted.”
Balestrero also provided alarming statistics, indicating that nearly 5,000 Christians are predicted to be killed for their faith by 2025—averaging thirteen deaths daily. Additionally, a report from the Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians in Europe forecasts over 760 anti-Christian incidents in Europe in 2024, alongside 2,211 legal cases against individuals for actions like silent prayer or citing the Bible.
The archbishop reiterated that protecting the religious freedom of individuals is a governmental responsibility. “The state must safeguard freedom of religion and belief,” he stated.
He further pointed out that religious freedom is a fundamental human right acknowledged by international law. Governments, according to him, should enable believers to practice their faith freely in both public and private settings.
In closing, Balestrero remarked that the persecution of Christians represents a broader attack on the spiritual and social values epitomized by the cross. He argued that upholding religious freedom not only allows believers to respond to their spiritual calling but also plays a crucial role in upholding human dignity and social harmony.
Other reports corroborate the prevalence of Christian persecution worldwide. The Open Doors World Watch List for 2026 indicates that 388 million Christians currently endure significant persecution and discrimination, showing an increase of 8 million from the prior year.
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