Pope Leo XIV has issued a solemn warning, naming Nigeria among a handful of countries where Christians are enduring severe discrimination and violent attacks. In a message shared via his official X account, he expressed deep concern over recurrent assaults on Christian communities and places of worship in Nigeria, alongside nations like Bangladesh, Mozambique, and Sudan.
Describing God as a “merciful Father who desires peace among all His children,” the pontiff urged believers worldwide to pray for those suffering. He also extended his thoughts to the families in the Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where recent massacres have claimed civilian lives.
Pope Leo’s remarks come amid growing international scrutiny of Nigeria’s escalating insecurity. They echo concerns raised recently by the Pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need, which listed Nigeria among 24 countries where religious freedom is under serious threat.
Despite the gravity of the accusations, the Nigerian government has pushed back against foreign criticism. In past exchanges, it has rejected claims of systemic “Christian genocide,” calling such narratives misleading and unhelpful to the country’s efforts at promoting peace.
