Two churches set in fire in Santiago de Chile

The International Pontifical Foundation ACN condemns the violent attacks on churches in Santiago de Chile yesterday, 18 October. Two churches were attacked by protesters at a time when several hours of peaceful demonstrations were taking place to celebrate the beginning of the social outbreak of 18 October 2019: The San Francisco de Borja Church and the Church of the Assumption, one of the oldest in the capital, built in 1876, which had already been attacked on 8 November 2019.

Statement by Thomas Heine-Geldern, Executive President of the foundation:

"We are dismayed by the aggressions, looting and attacks on churches in Santiago de Chile: Yesterday's events show how far the violence and hatred promoted by some groups can reach.

Nothing justifies the use of violence, nor the attacks on sacred spaces, nor the use of violence against the faith and beliefs of others will contribute to defend social, racial or economic justice.

We believe that while it is legitimate to demonstrate and ask for social changes, unbridled hatred against religious groups generates violence and destruction and should be worldwide openly condemned. Furthermore, we ask the Chilean government to ensure the protection of religious buildings against this kind of hate crimes.

We express our closeness and support to the parish priest of the Church of the Assumption, Pedro Narbona, who since many years also has supported the work of the Chilean section of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) in favour of the suffering and persecuted Christians. We are aghast at his first-hand suffering of a level of violence against the Church that until now we only knew from other parts of the world.

ACN reiterates its support for all Christians in Chile, whose churches and buildings have been systematically threatened by violent groups. Since October 2019 more than 57 churches and religious buildings have been attacked and burned in this country."

Featured Images: The parish of the Assumption set on fire and attacked by protesters in Chile. Copyright: Aid to the Church in Need.

The Mass is the most effective prayer that could be said on behalf of those who have died. ACN can arrange recurring annual Masses for your dearly departed loved ones.