They ask for support for a priest’s heart transplant in Peru: We have a few months to save him

The life of Father Christian Aranda, a 47-year-old Peruvian priest dedicated to serving communities in poverty in the Diocese of Lurín, faces a critical situation: he needs a heart transplant, the only procedure that would be able to save him.

“We have a few months to save his life,” declared his brother Daniel Aranda in a recent interview with ACI Prensa.

A ministry dedicated to service

Father Christian had been serving in the Divino Maestro parish, located in the district of San Juan de Miraflores, a low-income community in Lima. The priest is also known for his work in apostolates such as CEPROFARENA, where he spiritually advises and promotes the Billings Ovulation Method. Additionally, he is spiritual director at the Holy Family Alliance International.

“We always see with great joy how people seek him out to talk and receive his advice,” Daniel shared.

“Likewise, always visit the sick in hospitals and pray for them by giving them the anointing of the sick. People who know him can attest to it, that makes us very happy and proud,” he added.

Father Christian has also published the book Ears and Familiawhich he distributes to bring families closer to prayer and God.

A worrying medical history

Since 2000, Father Christian has undergone four major surgeries, including heart valve changes and advanced procedures performed by renowned specialists at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center, in Houston, Texas (United States). However, his situation worsened in December 2024.

“On December 18, he received a palliative procedure on his tricuspid valve. But the doctors have been clear: the only thing that can save his life is a heart transplant,” Daniel explained.

Despite the adversities, Father Christian keeps his faith intact, his brother assures: “He continues to encourage us to keep the faith, he motivates us to pray and look to the future with optimism. It asks us to be more united in Christ and Mary. He asks us to pray a lot for his health and for his speedy recovery.”

Although the community has responded with prayer and donations, Daniel also seeks help from church authorities. “We require the active participation of the Peruvian Catholic Church and the Vatican,” Daniel emphasized. Possible solutions include obtaining health insurance in the United States or significant financial support.

The cost of the transplant amounts to more than 3 million US dollars. “Without the help of the ecclesiastical authorities, this will not be possible,” he added.

How to help

Father Christian asks for prayers for his health and for the sick in general. In addition, bank accounts have been set up to save his life.

A GoFundMe campaign is also available: Campaign for Father Christian’s heart transplant.

“The support from his parishioners, friends, family and community in general has been impressive. Everyone wants to do their bit in some way, whether with their prayers, advice and/or financial help. We are very grateful to all of them since they stood up as soon as they became aware of Father Christian’s current state of health,” Daniel continued.

The brother of the Peruvian priest ended with a call to people of good will: “This is a case of life or death. We ask that you act urgently to save one of your most dedicated servants.”