The current plight of Christians in Iran — estimated at up to 1 million, primarily converts — demands the attention and fervent prayer of the universal Church.
This month, the Open Doors World Watch List 2026 ranked Iran at No. 10 among nations where Christians are facing the “most extreme persecution.”
In the report, more than 388 million Christians globally — almost one in seven — endure high levels of discrimination and violence for their faith, and Iran stands firmly among those.
The Islamic Republic leadership views evangelical Christianity, particularly among converts from Islam, as a dangerous Western influence threatening the regime’s authority. Apostasy, leaving Islam, is a grave offense, often met with execution.
If they avoid murder, then they face relentless harassment, house church raids, prolonged interrogations, torture in detention, exorbitant bail demands, long prison terms on fabricated national security charges, and forced recantations.
Christian converts are often labeled spies or collaborators with Israel and the West, especially in the wake of the 2025 Iran-Israel conflict and subsequent bombings by the United States.
Further, a recent espionage bill passed by Iran’s leadership has expanded the regime’s powers to impose the death penalty under vague definitions of dissent.
Historical Christian communities, while officially recognized, suffer as second-class citizens: barred from using Persian in worship, restricted in outreach to Persian speakers, and discriminated against in employment, marriage, and inheritance in society.
Thousands flee Iran annually to escape this suffocating pressure, yet the underground Church grows, a testament to the Holy Spirit’s enduring work even in the darkest places.
The situation has grown even more harrowing amid the nationwide protests erupting since late December, sparked by economic despair and long-simmering oppression.
Security forces have unleashed unprecedented brutality — estimates of protester deaths are over 20,000 in some reports — with mass arrests, internet blackouts, and indiscriminate live fire.
Christians are caught in this storm: some shot in the streets, while others are arrested amid accusations of fomenting unrest or foreign ties.
In the current regime’s eyes, faith in Christ aligns with “enmity” against the state.
As Catholics, we recall the words of our Lord: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
We also heed the call of the Church to stand in solidarity with those suffering from religious persecution. Recent papal reflections emphasize religious freedom as the “cornerstone of human rights” and express closeness to Iran’s faithful.
Pope Leo XIV has spoken of the “rising hostility” against Christians worldwide, urging us not to abandon our persecuted brothers and sisters.
In this moment of crisis, may Catholics respond with concrete charity: Support organizations aiding persecuted Christians, advocate for religious freedom through our governments, and above all, pray fervently for Iran’s people. We are also praying for an end to violence and for the release of prisoners of conscience.
May the blood of the martyrs in Iran, like seeds sown in fertile soil, yield an abundant harvest for the Gospel.