ITALY: Roman Catholic Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, has named Nigeria among nations where Christians continue to face discrimination and violent attacks. Other countries highlighted include Bangladesh, Mozambique, Sudan, and several others.
The Pope made the remark on Sunday, November 16, via his official X account, expressing deep concern over the recurrent assaults on Christian communities, churches, and places of worship. He urged global prayers for peace and unity among believers.
I think especially of Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mozambique, Sudan, and other countries from which we frequently hear of attacks on communities and places of worship.
God is a merciful Father who desires peace among all His children!
He also called for prayers for families in Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, where recent massacres claimed the lives of many civilians.
Let us pray that all violence may cease and that believers may work together for the common good, he added.
The Pope’s comments mirror earlier concerns raised by U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently re-designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over reports of religious persecution.
However, the Nigerian Federal Government has rejected the label, insisting that Nigeria remains a secular state that does not support any form of genocide or religious targeting.
