By Aid to the Church in Need
Vatican City, May 7, 2025 / 11:19 am
Are you ready to embark on a journey of hope? Join over 1,000 people from 23 countries as they participate in a pilgrimage organized by the pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) in Rome during the 2025 Jubilee Year.
This pilgrimage is a symbol of solidarity with suffering Christians in Ukraine, the Holy Land, Africa, and other parts of the world where practicing faith is a challenge due to religious persecution. As Catholics gather to elect a new pope, following the passing of Pope Francis, the theme of hope resonates strongly during this jubilee year.
ACN president Cardinal Mauro Piacenza emphasizes the importance of bringing hope to those in need, stating, “It is the underlying reason for the work we do: to take hope to those places where God weeps.”
During the pilgrimage, attendees will hear inspiring stories of faith and resilience from individuals like Ukrainian Greek-Catholic priest Father Bohdan Heleta, who experienced captivity during the Russia-Ukraine war, as well as representatives from Syria, Lebanon, and Burkina Faso who will share their experiences of surviving persecution and keeping the faith in challenging circumstances.
Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of this pilgrimage for hope and solidarity with persecuted Christians. Join us on May 8 at the Basilica of St. [insert name] to hear these powerful testimonies and renew your commitment to being a pilgrim of hope.
Welcome to the blog post about the upcoming pilgrimage organized by the pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need, led by its president Cardinal Mauro Piacenza. The pilgrimage will take place in Rome from May 7–10, 2025, bringing together over 1,000 people from 23 countries.
Cardinal Piacenza emphasized that the pilgrimage is a tangible way to experience the jubilee in solidarity with the suffering Church, honoring those who sacrifice their lives for their faith in Jesus Christ.
Regina Lynch, executive president of ACN International, highlighted the theme of hope for the 2025 Jubilee, echoing Pope Francis’ emphasis on hope. ACN’s mission is to provide assistance and hope to persecuted Christian communities worldwide.
Despite the cancellation of a planned audience with the Pope due to his passing, participants from ACN’s national offices will come together for the pilgrimage, aiming to strengthen their faith and commitment to supporting the suffering Church.
Praying at Pope Francis’ tomb in the Basilica of St. Mary Major holds special significance for ACN, as a pontifical foundation dedicated to continuing its mission under the guidance of future popes.
The pilgrimage will include passing through the Holy Door in the Basilica of St. Mary Major, symbolizing spiritual renewal and a journey of meditation, prayer, and conversion.
