Pope Francis’s papacy has been marked by direct interventions, public condemnations, and heartfelt gestures of solidarity aimed at alleviating the suffering of Christian communities facing oppression. There are some notable instances where Pope Francis has actively engaged in advocating for persecuted Christians.

Advocacy for Middle Eastern Christians

During his 2014 visit to Turkey, Pope Francis, alongside Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, condemned the violent persecution of Christians in Syria and Iraq. They issued a joint declaration urging the international community to take responsibility for those being oppressed and driven from their homes, highlighting the importance of interfaith dialogue and religious tolerance .

In 2015, during a Good Friday service in Rome, Pope Francis condemned the „complicit silence” regarding the killing of Christians, referencing attacks such as the al-Shabab assault on a Kenyan university and the beheading of Egyptian Coptic Christians by ISIS militants in Libya.

Support for Christians in Gaza

During the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, Pope Francis reached out to Gaza’s Christian community by making nightly phone calls to the Holy Family Catholic Church, offering prayers and compassionate support. His consistent outreach provided solace to nearly 600 people sheltering there during the conflict.

Solidarity with Christians in Nicaragua

In August 2024, Pope Francis expressed his encouragement and support to Christians in Nicaragua, where the government had revoked the legal status of numerous nonprofit organizations, including many Christian churches. He prayed for the protection of the faithful and urged them to renew their hope in Jesus during these challenging times.

Support for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians

In November 2019, Pope Francis expressed his sorrow over the violence faced by Ethiopian Orthodox Christians in the Oromia region, where ethnic clashes had resulted in numerous deaths. He called for prayers for the victims and extended his closeness to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and its patriarch, Abune Mathias.

Engagement with Persecuted Christians in Iraq

During his 2021 visit to Iraq, Pope Francis met with survivors of ISIS persecution in the Nineveh Plain. His visit underscored the Vatican’s support for the return of displaced Christian communities to their ancestral lands and highlighted the importance of interreligious dialogue and coexistence.

Support for Prayer Initiatives for Persecuted Christians

Pope Francis has consistently supported initiatives aimed at praying for persecuted Christians. In August 2024, he praised the “Nazarat” committee, an Italian organization that promotes prayer for persecuted Christians in the Middle East. He expressed gratitude for their efforts and emphasized the importance of solidarity and prayer in the face of persecution.

Through these actions and many others, Pope Francis has exemplified a steadfast commitment to standing with persecuted Christians, advocating for their rights, and offering both spiritual and practical support in their times of need.