The number of Christians facing persecution or serious discrimination for their faith has reached an unprecedented level worldwide, according to new findings released this week by Open Doors.
The organization’s annual World Watch List 2026 reveals that 388 million Christians are now living under high levels of persecution or violence—an increase of 8 million people compared to the previous year, according to Open Doors.
“Unfortunately, this is once again a record year,” said Cristian Nani, Director of Open Doors, in remarks reported by Vatican News. He noted that women and children are especially affected, explaining that “of these 388 million, 201 million are women or girls; while 110 million are minors under the age of 15,” according to the report.
The World Watch List documents a rise in countries experiencing what it classifies as “extreme” persecution of Christians, increasing from 13 to 15. North Korea remains the most dangerous place in the world to practice Christianity, while several nations across Africa and the Middle East continue to show alarming trends.
One of the most dramatic developments highlighted in the report is the situation in Syria, which has moved from a “high” to an “extreme” level of persecution. According to Mr. Nani, ongoing instability and fragmented political authority have left Christian communities particularly vulnerable. “Based on our data, only 300,000 Christians remain in Syria—that is, hundreds of thousands fewer than ten years ago,” he said, according to Vatican News.
Violence against Christians has also intensified, with killings rising to 4,849 worldwide—an average of 13 deaths per day, according to Open Doors. Nigeria continues to be the epicenter of this violence, accounting for roughly 70 percent of all reported Christian deaths globally.
While attacks on churches and homes have decreased, the report records a troubling increase in cases of abuse, rape, and forced marriages targeting Christians, particularly in fragile regions. Mr. Nani pointed to sub-Saharan Africa as a major area of concern, citing weak governance and armed groups that exploit both religious and economic tensions. “The center of gravity of Christianity has shifted to Africa, but it is there that it is primarily under attack,” he said, according to Vatican News.
For Catholics and Christians worldwide, the findings serve as a sobering reminder of the cost of discipleship faced by millions of believers today—and an urgent call to prayer, solidarity, and advocacy for those who suffer for the sake of Christ.
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