Red Week is an initiative launched by the pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN). Week of Witness 15 – 22 November.According to the latest figures provided by ACN, 413 million Christians live in countries where serious violations of religious freedom occur, and around 220 million Christians worldwide are directly exposed to persecution. Forms of Persecution Physical Violence Torture, imprisonment and murder are common, with open attacks on Christians, often resulting in mass killings or displacements. Property and Church Destruction In countries like Pakistan and Egypt, churches  are frequently attacked, vandalised, or demolished. Often, believers face legal obstacles in constructing new places of worship.  Legal Restrictions Laws against ‘blasphemy,’ ‘anti-conversion’ laws, or against ‘apostasy’ are used to intimidate and criminalise Christians in countries like Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Iran.There have been more martyrdoms in the last hundred years than in the previous 1,900 years of Church history.On Wednesday 18th November we will offer Mass for all those who suffer for the faith around the world