In his video message, published on February 27th, the Pope says, “The courage of the martyrs, the witness of the martyrs, is a blessing for everyone.”

He continued with his prayer intention, which all are encouraged to pray for in the month of March, saying, “Let us pray that those who risk their lives for the Gospel in various parts of the world might imbue the Church with their courage and missionary drive. And to be open to the grace of martyrdom.”

On Sunday, February 25th, 15 Christians were killed and two wounded in an attack on Catholics in Essakane, in the Diocese of Dori, Burkina Faso. The attack happened during a gathering for Sunday prayer. According to the vicar general of the diocese, 12 worshippers were killed at the scene of the attack while three succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment. Two others were being treated at a hospital.

In a telegram, Pope Francis reiterated his firm belief that “hatred is not the solution to conflicts.”

The security situation in Burkina Faso has become drastic over the past few years, with Christians being particularly targeted by terrorist groups inspired by Islamic extremism, says the pontifical charity foundation “Aid for the Church in Need.” They lament that the violence in the country can be seen as part of a wider conflict that involves several countries in the Sahel region, including Mali, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria.

But the situation for Christians is also worsening in other places. Two days before the terror attack in Burkina Faso, six male religious and one priest were kidnapped in two separate incidents in Haiti. The crimes took place in the country’s capital city Port-au-Prince.

Six members of the Congregation of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart were abducted while on their way to the John XXIII School, run by the order. A teacher who was with them was also taken.

On the same day a priest was kidnapped in Port-au-Prince, right after celebrating the morning mass. Also, some of the faithful were taken but liberated on the same day.

All this news shows: Pope Francis’ call to prayer for persecuted Christians remains topical.

In his video message, the Pope says, ”Brothers, sisters, there will always be martyrs among us. This is a sign that we’re on the right path. A person who knows told me there are more martyrs today than at the beginning of Christianity. The courage of the martyrs, the witness of the martyrs, is a blessing for everyone.”

Adapted by Jacob Stein