Pope Leo lists Nigeria among countries where Christians face persecution

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By Madu Obi

The Catholic Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV has listed Nigeria among countries where Christians face discrimination and persecution, alongside Bangladesh, Mozambique, Sudan, and others.

The Pope made the remarks via his official X account, expressing concern over frequent attacks on Christian communities and places of worship and urged prayers for peace and solidarity among all believers.

The observation by the Pope came on the heels of similar allegation by the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump.

“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!” the Pope wrote.

Pope Leo also called for prayers for the families of Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where recent massacres claimed the lives of civilians. “Let us pray that all violence may cease and that believers may work together for the common good,” he added.

The pope’s statement echoes concern previously raised by US President Donald Trump, who re-designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” (CPC) due to reports of religious persecution.

However, the Nigerian government has rejected this classification, affirming that the country remains secular.