The Catholic Pontiff Pope Leo XIV has listed Nigeria among countries where Christians continue to face persistent discrimination and violent attacks. He made the remarks in a public message on Sunday, expressing deep concern over repeated assaults on Christian communities and worship centers across several regions of the world.
Posting on his official X account, the Pope mentioned Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mozambique, and Sudan as nations where reports of attacks on churches and Christian gatherings have become distressingly frequent. He described the situation as a worrying global pattern and called for renewed prayers for peace and unity among believers.
The Pope stated that in many parts of the world Christians suffer discrimination and persecution and emphasized that God desires peace among all His children.
Pope Leo also extended prayers to families in Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo where recent massacres have resulted in civilian casualties.
His remarks come at a time of heightened international attention on Nigeria following recent statements in the United States. On October thirty first former US President Donald Trump designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over what he described as ongoing attacks against Christian populations. He warned that the killings must end or the United States would take action against jihadist groups in the region.
The Nigerian Federal Government has repeatedly rejected allegations of an orchestrated Christian genocide, insisting that the country’s security challenges affect citizens of all faiths and are often misrepresented for political reasons.
Adding to the debate US Congressman Riley Moore on Sunday challenged President Bola Tinubu’s recent comments that Nigeria does not encourage religious persecution. According to the lawmaker the situation on the ground contradicts the presidents assurances.
