Romania's Foreign Minister and the U.S. Ambassador Discussed the Global Issue of Persecution of Christians

Romania’s State Secretary for Religious Affairs, Ciprian Olinic, and U.S. Ambassador Darryl Nirenberg held a working meeting, with the key topic being systemic discrimination and widespread persecution of Christians in various regions of the world. According to Basilica.ro, the talks took place at the headquarters of the State Secretariat for Religious Affairs.

During the discussion, the parties addressed pressing issues regarding the observance of fundamental human rights. According to official data from the agency, the number of believers facing persecution remains critically high: in 2025 alone, nearly 5,000 Christians were killed worldwide. The meeting participants also addressed the risks associated with the rise of religious extremism and anti-Semitism.

A separate segment of the talks was devoted to the preservation of historical and cultural heritage. In particular, diplomats and officials discussed the current situation at St. Catherine’s Monastery on the Sinai Peninsula, focusing on its legal status and ensuring security so that monastic life can continue. At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties spoke positively about the established practice of cooperation between Romanian state institutions and religious organizations.

As a reminder, it was previously reported that the head of the Metropolis of Bessarabia had secured British support to “protect the rights of believers” in Moldova.