65 Catholic parishes in Haiti have been closed due to gang activity

A catastrophic situation has developed in Haiti: due to unprecedented levels of violence instigated by armed groups, 65 Catholic parishes have ceased operations. Criminals are systematically seizing places of worship, attacking educational institutions, and kidnapping members of the clergy in order to establish total control over the regions. These actions are aimed at suppressing the influence of the Church, which remains one of the last institutions standing against lawlessness, according to Christian Today.

According to the data received, criminal groups have forcibly closed about 40 parishes in the capital, Port-au-Prince, 15 on the Central Plateau, and 10 in the Artibonite department. Armed gangs currently control between 70% and 90% of the capital’s territory and are actively expanding their influence into neighboring areas. In the occupied areas, militants are imposing illegal levies, forcing monastic communities and schools to hastily evacuate their buildings.

Bishop Jérémie Joseph Gontran Decost of the city emphasized that churches and clergy have become targeted by attacks. According to him, the clergy acts as a “moral and spiritual barrier,” which provokes aggression from criminal elements. The statistics on violence are shocking: in 2024, nine nuns, five monks, and four priests were abducted, and in 2026, gang members have already abducted two priests and killed one seminarian.

Despite the fact that many church buildings have been looted, burned, or turned into militant bases, the Catholic Church continues its humanitarian mission. Priests and volunteers are providing assistance to refugees, and digital technologies and radio broadcasts are being used to maintain communication with the faithful when in-person worship services are not possible.