More than 700 Catholic school pupils in Scotland have come together to learn about the realities facing persecuted Christians around the world.
Students from 23 schools attended the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need’s (ACN) Scottish Youth Rally this week, and a message of support from Pope Leo was read out during the event, in which he offered encouragement and blessings to those taking part.
Now in its 10th year, the event encouraged young people to reflect on their own faith and how they can support Christians suffering or facing persecution.
For over four hours, they were shown harrowing footage documenting attacks on Christian communities and heard from guest speakers, as well as taking part in Eucharistic Adoration.
The event’s MC, Fr James Anyaegbu, who has 1.8million followers on TikTok, got them out of their seats dancing and singing and posing for selfies.
He said: “Events like this help young people understand what's happening in places such as Africa, India and Ukraine. We need to be aware of those facing persecution and speak out about it.”
Other guests included the Dominican Sisters of St Cecilia, who responded to pupil queries in a segment called “Ask a Sister”.
Macy, from St Aidan’s High School, Wishaw, said: “This was not what I expected. I expected peer groups, but this was a lot more interactive.”
Her friend Lindsay added: “I didn’t realise there were Christians in so many places.”
Pupils from St Mungo’s High School, Falkirk, said they were particularly moved by stories shared during the day, which included accounts of vulnerable orphaned babies and children supported through the Church’s charitable work in Ethiopia.
William More, head of ACN in Scotland said: “For me, the most powerful part of the rally was seeing hundreds of young people realise what happens to Christians around the world. Young people are not simply the Church of tomorrow — they are the Church of today.
“We want them to hear the stories of Christians who are persecuted for their faith, to be moved by those stories, and then to ask themselves: ‘What can I do?’ Our hope is that they leave this rally not just inspired, but ready to be witnesses of hope wherever they are.
“All of this gives me hope and excitement for what young people can achieve and I can’t wait to share their successes.”