In today’s world, the idea of what it means to be a Christian martyr has shifted dramatically.
Robert Royal, author of the new book The Martyrs of the New Millennium, recently shared his insights on this evolving reality during an interview on The World Over with Raymond Arroyo.
He explained how the dangers faced by Christians have transformed over the past few decades.
From Totalitarian Regimes to Radical Islam as the Main Threat
Royal pointed out that when he last studied Christian martyrdom 25 years ago, the biggest threat was from totalitarian governments.
Now, however, he says radical Islam has become the primary danger.
He described how certain radical Islamic groups aim to create a global caliphate — essentially a vast Islamic empire that stretches far beyond the Middle East, reminiscent of the old Ottoman Empire but on a much bigger scale.
He stressed that while ISIS may have been defeated militarily, the ideology behind it hasn’t disappeared.
Instead, it has spread to different parts of the world and is likely to return with renewed force.
The Growing Crisis in Africa
One of the most urgent concerns Royal highlighted is the violence spreading across Central and sub-Saharan Africa.
In Nigeria, for example, he estimates that between 2,000 and 3,000 Christians have been killed by radical Islamist groups just since he finished writing his book last year.
Just recently, an attack by extremist Muslim herdsmen in Nigeria tragically claimed dozens of lives and led to the kidnapping of a Catholic priest and several nuns.
Hundreds of jihadist Fulani herdsmen attacked multiple villages, killing nearly 40 people — most of them Christians — according to Truth Nigeria, an organization that monitors violence and corruption in the country.
Persecution of Priests in Latin America
Surprisingly, Royal also pointed to Latin America as a dangerous place for Christian clergy today.
Mexico, in particular, is considered one of the most perilous countries for Catholic priests, largely because of drug cartels, human traffickers, and other criminal groups that target anyone who interferes with their operations.
In Nicaragua, the persecution of Christians has less to do with old ideological battles like Marxism and more to do with the power-hungry Ortega family, who view the Church as a serious threat to their control.
The government there has shut down Catholic media outlets, expelled religious leaders, and cracked down hard on religious practices.
The Complex Situation in China
Royal painted a grim picture of the Church in China, where the Communist Party continues to suppress religious freedom despite a seeming decline in open persecution.
He noted that ten bishops have reportedly gone missing and that the government tries to control religious messaging — even putting images of President Xi inside churches and attempting to rewrite parts of the Bible to align with Communist Party ideology.
While the Vatican has renewed its controversial agreement with China regarding the appointment of bishops, the full details remain secret.
Royal said it will be interesting to see if Pope Leo XIV, who has visited China, can make a difference under these circumstances.
Challenges for Christians in the West
Royal reminded listeners that Christians living in Western countries are not immune to persecution.
Radical Islamist figures operate in places like Europe, the U.S., and Australia, and many anti-Christian hate crimes occur annually.
He shared some stark examples, such as France losing about two religious buildings a month to attacks, and pro-life demonstrators in the UK being jailed for peacefully praying outside abortion clinics.
Royal also warned that in the U.S., there is growing pressure to label traditional Christian beliefs as “hate speech,” which could threaten religious freedom.
Complex and Evolving Realities for Christians Worldwide
In the end, Royal emphasized that the nature of Christian persecution is complex and constantly changing.
Whether in Africa, Latin America, China, or the West, Christians face different threats that require vigilance, awareness, and solidarity.