The 2025 Religious Freedom in the World Report, released by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), has revealed a sobering truth: nearly 5.4 billion people or 64.7% of the world’s population now live in countries where religious freedom faces serious or very serious violations.
This comprehensive report, covering 196 countries between January 2023 and December 2024, highlights a global rise in discrimination, persecution, and legal restrictions affecting all faiths. For those following global human rights and religious liberty issues, this edition is one of the most alarming and extensive ever published.
For more global insights, visit our World News Section.
A Growing Crisis: Persecution on the Rise
During the release conference at the Patristic Institute Augustinianum, Cardinal Pietro Parolin emphasized that the 2025 report is the largest since ACN began its series in 1999. The findings show a clear upward trend in violations of religious freedom worldwide, driven by authoritarianism, extremism, nationalism, and conflict.
The report categorizes countries into three levels of concern:
- 24 countries experiencing active persecution
- 38 countries where systemic discrimination is present
- Additional countries listed under observation for growing warning signs
Editor-in-chief Marta Petrosillo noted that although many nations claim equal rights on paper, reality often tells a different story.
A Truly Universal Perspective
What makes ACN’s report globally recognized is its non-governmental, universal approach:
- It examines all religious communities, not just Christianity.
- It is not influenced by any national agenda.
- It covers nearly every country on earth, giving it rare global scope.
This broad approach provides a clearer picture of the rising challenges shared across religious minorities worldwide.
Explore more analysis on human rights in our Freedom & Justice Hub.
Why Religious Freedom Matters
ACN International’s Executive President, Regina Lynch, echoed Pope Leo XIV’s recent message on religious liberty:
“Religious freedom is not merely a legal right… It is a foundational condition that makes authentic reconciliation possible.”
Lynch emphasized that respect for freedom of conscience leads to peace, dignity, and justice while its denial erodes the foundations of society.
The Changing Face of Persecution
According to the report, threats against religious communities now come in many forms:
1. Authoritarian governments
Where strict control limits worship, expression, or community activity.
2. Extremist ideologies
Armed groups targeting believers through violence or intimidation.
3. Ethno-religious nationalism
Where one religion is elevated as state identity while minorities are sidelined.
4. Organized crime
Gangs and cartels threatening religious leaders who advocate for justice.
5. War and conflict zones
Even non-religious wars such as in Ukraine, Gaza, and Syria create conditions for persecution.
6. Digital repression
A modern phenomenon where believers are tracked, censored, harassed, or arrested based on their online activity.
Petrosillo warned that technology is increasingly used to “weaponize intolerance.”
To learn more about global digital freedoms, visit Tech & Society Insights.
A Call to Action: ACN’s Global Petition
At the closing of the report’s presentation, ACN announced its first-ever global petition calling for stronger legal protection of religious freedom worldwide. The petition will remain open for signatures until November 2026, after which it will be presented to:
- The United Nations
- The European Union
- Democratic governments
- The global diplomatic community
The petition urges world leaders to adopt concrete laws that defend the basic human right to worship, believe, and live freely according to conscience.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 Religious Freedom Report makes clear, the world is entering a period of intensified pressure on religious communities. Yet the work of organizations like ACN and the global awareness generated by such reports provides hope that advocacy, law, and international solidarity can bring meaningful change.
Stay informed with more updates in our Faith & Society Blog.