According to statements by Alex Jones, founder of the popular Catholic app Hallow based in the USA, the app was removed from the Chinese Apple App Store due to "illegal" content. Jones stated that he prays for all Christians in China.

Hallow is a prayer app that offers audio Catholic content. Since its launch in 2018, Hallow claims the app has been downloaded over 14 million times in over 150 countries. In February, the app briefly topped the download charts in all categories.

Jones mentioned that the Chinese Cyberspace Administration (CAC) informed the company that the app contained illegal content in China and therefore had to be removed. Details about the illegal content were not provided.

Jones also noted that the number of app users in China is in the thousands, although they do not have exact data. According to one study, the number of Chinese Catholics peaked at 12 million in 2005.

Despite the ban, Hallow plans to continue providing its services to Chinese users through its website, web app, social media content, and prayers.

Jones did not want to speculate on the timing of the CAC's actions, but he emphasized that this week a new audio series on the life of Saint John Paul II, titled "Witness to Hope," was launched. This series highlights Saint John Paul II's resistance to communism.

The Chinese government, which is officially atheist, tolerates several "official" religions, including Catholicism. However, the Church in China is divided between the government-approved Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association and the "underground" Catholic Church that remains loyal to the Vatican despite persecution.

It should be noted that the Vatican signed a controversial agreement with the Chinese government in 2018 on the appointment of bishops, but China has repeatedly violated the agreement by appointing its loyalists to bishop positions.

The Chinese government has long implemented strict control and surveillance over the internet and social media, and it also pressures believers to adapt to the ideology of the Communist Party. Chinese laws require that religious education and places of worship be officially approved and registered by the government.

This is not the first time that the CAC has used Chinese cyber law to pressure the removal of religious apps. For example, in 2021, a digital Bible company removed its app from Apple's App Store in China, while Apple itself removed the Quran app at the request of Chinese officials.

In addition to religious apps, the CAC ordered Apple in April to remove WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram from the app store due to national security concerns. These apps, which offer private and encrypted messages, were among the most popular in the world.

The Chinese Communist Party continuously implements strict measures of control over the information circulating within the country, and religious content is particularly targeted. Any attempt to spread religious messages that do not align with state policy is quickly removed. This aims to prevent the influence of foreign ideologies and ensure complete control over the spiritual life of citizens.

Despite the challenges, Hallow continues to work on ways to reach its users in China. By using various digital platforms and social media, their goal is to provide support and spiritual help to Chinese Catholics.

Jones emphasized that Hallow will continue to pray for Christians in China and work to provide them with the best possible support through available channels. Although faced with many obstacles, the faith and determination of the Hallow team remain unwavering.

Chinese cybersecurity laws are often used as tools to suppress freedom of speech and religious rights. The government has shown that it will not tolerate any forms of dissent or attempts to spread religious ideologies that are not under its control.

Chinese Catholics, who constitute a significant minority in the country, are often forced to practice their faith in secret. Despite the risks, many remain faithful to their beliefs and continue to live according to their faith, finding ways to connect and support each other within their communities.

Hallow, as one of the leading apps for Catholic prayers, continues to seek ways to overcome these obstacles and provide spiritual support to all who need it. Faith, hope, and perseverance remain key factors in their mission.

The Chinese government continues to enforce its strict policies of control and oversight, and any organization that defies these rules risks severe sanctions and bans. Nevertheless, Hallow remains committed to its mission and continues to seek ways to reach and help its users around the world, including those in China.