Pope Leo XIV has listed Nigeria among the countries where Christians continue to face discrimination and violent persecution, a concern he raised in a global message calling for unity, compassion, and an end to attacks on religious communities.
In an X post shared on Sunday via his official account, the pontiff listed Nigeria alongside Bangladesh, Mozambique, Sudan, and others as places where assaults on Christian groups and worship centres remain distressingly common. His remarks come at a time when several regions across Africa and Asia continue to grapple with armed conflict, extremism, and targeted religious violence.
The pope described peace as a heavenly virtue that should guide the actions of all believers, appealing to the international community to protect vulnerable groups and promote coexistence.
“In various parts of the world, Christians suffer discrimination and persecution. I think especially of Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mozambique, Sudan, and other countries from which we frequently hear of attacks on communities and places of worship,” his message read.
Pope Leo XIV also expressed deep sympathy for families affected by the recent massacre of civilians in Kivu, located in the troubled eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, calling for an end to bloodshed across the continent.
“God is a merciful Father who desires peace among all His children! I accompany in prayer the families of Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where in recent days there has been a massacre of civilians. Let us pray that all violence may cease and that believers may work together for the common good,” he added.
Nigeria has for years struggled with violent attacks linked to extremist groups, banditry, and ethno-religious tensions, particularly affecting Christian communities in parts of the north and Middle Belt.
