Colombia religious leaders face increased threats, ACN reports

The pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has issued an alert regarding a rise in threats against religious leaders in Colombia. According to the World Religious Freedom Report 2025, these incidents are linked to the activities of armed groups and criminal organizations exercising territorial control.

Data from the Ombudsman's Office indicates a 31% increase in religious freedom violations between 2023 and 2024. The report highlights that discrimination against churches and death threats against leaders saw the most significant growth. Specifically, death threats doubled from four cases in 2023 to eight in 2024. Due to these trends, ACN has placed Colombia under observation.