“Africa cannot afford to allow itself yet another region under terrorist rule,” said Erminia Notarangelo, EEAS head.

Most people feel helpless against the armed extremists and all the more so at this time when all the emphasis is on the coronavirus pandemic – anonymous Burkinabe priest.

Over the decade from 2007 to 2017, government restrictions on religion – laws, policies and actions by state officials that restrict religious beliefs and practices – increased markedly around the world, says report.

The west African nation has a history of religious tolerance, but there has been a spate of anti-Christian attacks this year.

Fr Pierluigi Maccalli SMA, working in Niger, is believed to have been kidnapped by jihadist militants.

Franciscan Order lost contact with Fr Dhiya Aziz, parish priest at Yacoubieh, during the afternoon of 4 July and they believe he was taken by militants.

“We priests are fully aware of the risks we run, but we cannot do otherwise than remain alongside the Syrian people, both Christians and Muslims.”

Laments that “In some countries you can still go to jail for possessing a Gospel.”