Pope Leo XIV received members of Aid to the Church in Need at the Vatican on Friday.
The pontifical foundation supports the Catholic Church in its evangelizing work, particularly in communities that are needy, discriminated against, and persecuted.
The world continues to witness growing hostility and violence against those who hold different beliefs, including many Christians.
The pope emphasized the importance of Aid to the Church in Need's mission, which funds over 5,000 projects in 137 countries, stating that
we do not abandon our persecuted brothers and sistersas one family in Christ.
Aid to the Church in Need's work is crucial in promoting religious freedom, which the pope deemed
not optional but essential.
Author's summary: Pope Leo XIV stresses the importance of religious freedom.