What is REDWEEK?
REDWEEK is a global campaign organized by Aid to the Church in Need, with the goal of raising awareness among Catholics and society at large about the reality of Christians who are persecuted today.
To achieve this, every November, monuments, churches, and iconic buildings around the world are illuminated in red to commemorate the millions of Christians who continue to suffer discrimination, violence, and persecution because of their faith. In 2026, REDWEEK will take place from November 16 to 22.
This November, join #RedWeek
Persecuted Christians: The Focus of REDWEEK
573 million Christians live in countries where religious freedom is violated. Their right to believe is being infringed upon by authoritarian governments, Islamist extremism, and ethno-religious nationalism.
REDWEEK is an initiative to raise awareness that today’s persecuted Christians are targets of terrorist attacks, are stigmatized by anti-conversion laws, are strictly monitored, or face restrictions on their social development.
Hate and violence affect members of all religions, but particularly Christians in countries where they are a minority and lack the political and social support they deserve simply because they are human beings. REDWEEK aims to shed light on the lives of our brothers and sisters in faith.
Let's raise awareness about persecuted Christians
They have names, faces, and stories. They are our brothers and sisters, and their testimonies bring us closer to so many Christians who today suffer persecution for their faith. These are stories of pain, but also of faithfulness, forgiveness, and hope.
Take Janada Marcus, a 22-year-old Nigerian woman who lost her father at the hands of Boko Haram and, two years later, was captured and tortured. After her release, she found the strength to forgive through prayer and the support of the Church: “I have forgiven them in my heart. I pray for the redemption of their souls. My faith has been strengthened.”
Janada is just one of the many faces of the persecuted Church. Persecution often forces them to flee their homes, denies them access to education and work, and frequently leaves them mired in poverty. Even so, they remain faithful to Christ and keep their faith and their communities alive.
Let us not leave them alone. Your generosity and your prayers are essential to sustaining our brothers and sisters and helping them keep alive the faith we share wherever it is threatened.
How can you participate?
LIGHT UP
Invite your parish to light up in red and take part in the events
PRAY
Millions of Christians are suffering persecution today because of their faith. Join in prayer at your parish or from home.
SHARE
Help us raise awareness about the plight of persecuted Christians and ensure that their suffering is not forgotten.
Latest data from the 2025 Religious Freedom Report
Your support strengthens their faith
Your love is what keeps them going.
In places where faith can cost one’s life, men, women, and children continue to pray, serve, and love.
The Church stands with people, meets their needs, and keeps hope alive; your generosity contributes to ACN’s mission in places where the faith is persecuted.
“The persecution of Christians is not yet over; in fact, in some parts of the world it has intensified. Their witness remains a prophecy of the victory of good over evil. Yes, theirs is a hope without weapons.”
Pope Leo XIV