Bishop in Cape Verde Denounces Silence of Developed World amid Christian Persecution

Sao Vicente, 27 January, 2024 / 9:28 PM

On the occasion of the Feast of St. Vincent marked January 22, Bishop Ildo Augusto dos Santos Lopes Fortes of the Catholic Diocese of Mindelo in Cape Verde has expressed concern about the persecution and killing of Christians around the world especially in Africa.

In his homily during Holy Mass at St. Vincent Parish of Mindelo Diocese, Bishop dos Santos also denounced the silence of the media in developed countries as Christian persecution escalates

“Last year alone there were an estimated 5,600 martyrs, especially in Asia and Africa,” the Portuguese-born Catholic Bishop said.

He added, “In Nicaragua too, Christians are currently being persecuted and killed.”

According to the Bishop, Christians in these countries are “victims of Islamic fundamentalism, corruption and dictatorial political regimes.”

The 59-year-old Catholic Bishop, who has been at the helm of Mindelo Diocese since his Episcopal Ordination in April 2011 criticized the media in developed countries for blowing up the death of one of their own and remaining silent when massive deaths of Christians occur in developing countries.

 “One dead person in Europe is the end of the world. Of course, any death matters. But if dozens are killed in Nigeria or in one of these countries, it's not news.  And Nigeria is one of those countries where there have been many sacrifices of Christians,” the member of the Clergy of Lisbon in Portugal said.