In Haiti, 65 Catholic parishes closed due to armed gang terror

The map of Haiti. Photo: cbma.net

In Haiti, 65 Catholic parishes have been closed due to armed gang violence. Extremists are seizing churches, attacking religious schools, and abducting clergy in order to establish full control over regions of the country, reports Christian Today.

Criminal groups have forcibly closed around 40 parishes in the capital Port-au-Prince, another 15 parishes on the country's Central Plateau, and 10 parishes in the Artibonite department. Armed gangs currently control between 70% and 90% of the capital's territory and are actively expanding their presence in other regions. In areas under their control, bandits impose illegal levies, and the prevailing lawlessness is forcing parishes, schools, and monasteries to hastily vacate their buildings.

Catholic Bishop of Jérémie Joseph Gontran Décoste has reported that churches, clergy, and monastic communities are increasingly becoming targets of planned attacks. "We remain the last barrier – moral, ethical, spiritual, and prophetic," said Bishop Décoste. "That is precisely why they seek to destroy us."

Armed groups are not only burning and looting church buildings and schools but also turning them into fortified bases. Priests, seminarians, and nuns regularly fall victim to violence. In the first seven months of 2026, bandits kidnapped two Catholic priests and killed one seminarian. Earlier, in March 2025, gang members brutally murdered Sisters Evanette and Jeanne of the order of the Little Sisters of Saint Theresa while they were serving in the city of Mirebalais. Throughout 2024, criminals kidnapped nine nuns, five monks, and four priests.

Despite the mortal danger, the Church continues its missionary work wherever possible. Priests and volunteers provide pastoral and practical assistance to thousands of refugees. Radio prayer broadcasts and online lessons help communities stay connected in places where normal parish life has become impossible. Bishop Décoste thanked the faithful for their prayer and financial support, which gives the Church the strength to endure.

As the UOJ reported, 110 people were killed in Haiti over suspicions of involvement in voodoo.

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