“We can renounce everything, but not our faith.
Pray for us, and we will pray for you!”

This is the message we receive every day from the Christians of Iraq, Syria, and other Middle Eastern countries, who have been persecuted in recent years for committing one crime: that of being Christians.

To awaken the world from its indifference, Pope Francis has convoked an ecumenical prayer meeting on July 7 in Bari, Italy, with the participation of the patriarchs and leaders of the Churches and Christian communities of the Middle East.

“I have a question for you: How many of you pray for persecuted Christians?” Pope Francis asked. “Pray with me, that they may experience the support of all the Churches and communities, through prayer and material assistance.”

Prayer isn’t something theoretical. It’s a very concrete commitment. In response to the Pope’s exhortation, Aleteia offers you the possibility of joining this worldwide chain of prayer for persecuted Christians.

Show your commitment to prayer during this month of preparation for the Pope’s meeting in Bari, saying the prayer written for this occasion by Iraqi Bishop Saad Sirop Hanna, who was kidnapped by ISIS for nearly a month.