Priest Rescues Christian Slaves in Pakistan – International Christian Concern

Three Christian families in Pakistan have been freed from modern-day slavery, thanks to one Argentine missionary priest and a young layman who paid for their release. 
Father Rico, a priest with the Order of St. Elias in Argentina, and a layperson named Diego traveled to Pakistan “with the sole purpose of freeing Christian slaves.” They have freed 110 Christians so far this year. Last year, they freed 200 people. 
Father Rico calls this initiative PaX, meaning both “peace” and “Pakistan Christendom.” His mission is to rescue Christians living in bondage. 
“Thanks to our supporters and their prayers, we were able to rescue 11 people — three families — from servitude,” the priest told Catholic News Agency (CNA). “These people were born into slavery. They had never known freedom. They were not allowed to attend Christian services nor receive sacraments. On the very day of being released from bondage, I was able to give them the sacraments, including baptism. It was a day of dual liberation!” 
In predominantly Muslim Pakistan, religious minorities are made into modern slaves. Held by familial debt bondage, they are sent to work in brick kilns, live in extreme poverty, and face physical and sexual abuse. 
“Christians suffer from slavery and constant oppression, and their situation is terrible,” Father Rico explained in an interview. “The Christian is considered ‘chura,’ which in the local language means ‘sweeper.’ For us, it does not have a negative connotation, but there it is equivalent to saying ‘excrement.’” 
Once the Christians are rescued, they are placed in safe communities to rehabilitate. 
“After a life of eating garbage, being treated like garbage, and suffering constant violence, some of them don’t know what it’s like to be human,” Father Rico said. “That’s why we have to get them to where they can live in peace, practice Christianity, and raise their children. There, they can teach them that there is a future and that the only thing that they must seek is God and his kingdom.” 
Story by Bella Agnello 
To read more news stories, visit the ICC Newsroom. For interviews, please email [email protected]. To support ICC’s work around the world, please give to our Where Most Needed Fund.
The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) is a terrorist organization that emerged in 2016 after splitting from Boko Haram. It is affiliated with ISIS and operates primarily in Nigeria and the surrounding region, targeting both civilians and military forces.
ISWAP has been responsible for numerous attacks, including assaults on Christian communities, kidnappings, and executions, as part of its broader jihadist agenda.
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These violent actions contribute to ongoing instability in northern Nigeria, where religious and ethnic tensions remain high.
The international community, including the United Nations and several governments, has condemned ISWAP’s attacks, recognizing them as acts of terrorism.
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