Geneva: The Holy See has warned that Christians remain the most persecuted religious group globally, with nearly 400 million believers facing violence, discrimination, or persecution because of their faith.
Speaking at an international event in Geneva on March 3, Archbishop Ettore Balestrero highlighted the growing threats faced by Christian communities worldwide and urged governments to uphold the fundamental right to religious freedom.
Nearly 400 Million Christians Face Persecution
Addressing the event “Standing with Persecuted Christians: Defending the Faith and Christian Values,” Archbishop Balestrero said that almost one in seven Christians worldwide suffers persecution or violence.
He revealed that around 5,000 Christians were killed for their faith in 2025, an average of 13 deaths per day.
“For Christians, those who are killed for their faith are martyrs,” the archbishop said, adding that from an international legal perspective they are victims of serious human rights violations.
Nations Must Protect Religious Freedom
The Holy See representative emphasized that governments have a responsibility to protect freedom of religion, which he described as a fundamental human right.
“States must protect believers from violence and discrimination and prevent third parties from violating their religious freedom,” Balestrero said.
He stressed that authorities should safeguard individuals before, during, and after attacks, noting that impunity remains a major challenge in addressing global religious persecution.
Violence and Discrimination Against Christians
The archbishop explained that Christians in many countries face serious human rights abuses, including:
- Physical violence and killings
- False imprisonment
- Property confiscation
- Forced displacement or exile
- Discrimination in social and professional life
He warned that many Christians are subjected to enslavement, persecution, and even murder solely because of their religious beliefs.
Rising Anti-Christian Hate Crimes in Europe
Balestrero also pointed out that persecution is not limited to conflict zones but is increasingly visible in Western countries.
According to the Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians in Europe, there were more than 2,200 violent incidents targeting Christians in Europe in 2024, including:
- Arson attacks on churches
- Vandalism of Christian sites
- Physical assaults on believers
The archbishop noted that some Christians have even faced prosecution for actions such as silent prayer near abortion clinics or quoting Bible verses on social issues.
“Subtle” Forms of Religious Persecution
In addition to violence, Balestrero warned about less visible forms of persecution, including social marginalization, discrimination, and restrictions on public expressions of faith.
He cautioned that in some Western societies, religious freedoms are sometimes restricted by competing political or ideological interests, which can undermine rights protected by international law.
“These are not superficial acts,” he said, describing them as serious violations of the rights of Christians.
Call to Defend Human Dignity
Concluding his remarks, the archbishop said attacks on Christians represent an assault on the spiritual and social values symbolized by the Cross.
He explained that the vertical line of the Cross represents humanity’s relationship with God, while the horizontal line symbolizes human relationships and community.
“Attacks on Christians ultimately threaten both dimensions — faith and human dignity,” he said.
The Holy See called on governments and international institutions to strengthen protections for religious freedom and ensure justice for victims of persecution worldwide.