‘ACN is a charity of love,’ says outgoing international ecclesiastical assistant

Fr. Friedrich Bechina has replaced Fr. Anton Lässer as the international ecclesiastical assistant for Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) as of October 1. Fr. Bechina, 60, joins the papal foundation from the Spiritual Family "The Work" after working in the Vatican.

Fr. Lässer, 65, steps down after more than three years in the role. His superiors asked him to return to service within the Passionist Congregation.

The ecclesiastical assistant provides spiritual guidance and oversight to strengthen the spiritual life of the charity. The role also involves promoting ecclesial communion and representing the Church and its pastoral authority within the daily operations of ACN.