Pope Leo XIV Lists Nigeria As One Of The Countries Where Christians Are Persecuted

Pope Leo XIV decries persecution of Christians in Nigeria, Mozambique, Sudan and others, urging peace, unity and protection of civilians.

Pope Leo XIV has condemned the increasing violence and discrimination faced by Christian communities across several countries, naming Nigeria, Mozambique, Bangladesh, Sudan and others as hotspots where believers continue to suffer deadly attacks and destruction of their places of worship.

In a message shared on X on Sunday, the Pope said the pattern of persecution remains deeply troubling and called for renewed global efforts to safeguard religious minorities.

He also expressed solidarity with families in Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, where dozens of civilians were recently massacred in a fresh wave of violence. “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,” he wrote.

The Pope urged an immediate end to bloodshed and appealed to faith communities worldwide to work together for stability and the common good. “Let us pray that all violence may cease and that believers may work together for the common good,” he added.

His remarks come amid growing concerns over extremist attacks, communal tensions, and rising insecurity affecting religious groups across Africa and Asia.