Churches and monuments around the world were illuminated red by persecuted Christians

More than 700 churches and monuments around the world were illuminated red on November 20 to denounce and raise awareness about the religious persecution suffered by Christians in various countries around the world.

The lighting of famous churches such as the Sagrada Familia (Spain), the Sanctuary of Lourdes and the Cathedral of Notre Dame (France) and the Cathedral of Our Lady of Las Lajas (Colombia) is part of Red Week, an initiative of the foundation pontifical Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).

According to information shared with ACI Prensa, emblematic buildings were illuminated in Germany, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Colombia, South Korea, Slovakia, Spain, Philippines, France, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands , Poland, Portugal, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

In the case of Spain and Latin America, temples and monuments were added such as Christ the King of Cali (Colombia), the church of Vera Cruz (Chile), the cathedrals of La Almudena, La Asunción, Jerez de la Frontera, the Basilica of Covadonga (Spain) and the Cathedral of Puebla (Mexico).

Red Week has taken place since 2015, when the ACN office in Brazil illuminated the famous image of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. Since then, more countries have joined, such as Spain, Portugal, Slovakia, Italy, the Philippines, among others.

On religious persecution, the pontifical foundation published its global report on the state of religious freedom in June 2023which contemplates the situation of more than 190 countries.

According to this document, “the fundamental right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion is violated in one in three countries (31%), that is, in 61 of 196 nations.”

Regarding the situation of Christians, the foundation constantly denounces forced conversions in Pakistan, as well as murders in Nigeria and Burkina Faso. In America, the most notorious cases are the attacks on priests and seminarians in Haiti and Mexico, as well as the persecution suffered by the Catholic Church in Nicaragua.

This is why Red Week is so important, ACN indicates, for being a campaign that “highlights testimonies of Christians who, despite persecution, remain firm in their faith, showing the world the strength that is born from hope.”