Pope Leo XIV Highlights Persecution of Christians in Nigeria

Pope Leo XIV has named Nigeria among countries where Christians face serious discrimination and attacks, alongside Bangladesh, Mozambique, and Sudan. Speaking via his official X account on November 16, the pontiff urged global prayers for peace, protection, and solidarity for affected faith communities.

The Pope also called attention to massacres in Kivu, DR Congo, emphasizing the urgent need to end violence worldwide. His statements echo prior international concerns, including former President Donald Trump’s re-designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern”. The Nigerian government maintains that the country is secular and rejects claims of religious targeting.