Pope Leo condemns rising persecution of Christians, lists Nigeria among hotspots
Pope Leo XIV has decried the growing violence and discrimination faced by Christian communities in several countries.
In a message posted on X on Sunday, the Pope named Nigeria, Mozambique, Bangladesh and Sudan among hotspots where Christians continue to endure deadly attacks and the destruction of places of worship.
The Pontiff described the pattern of persecution as “deeply troubling” and called for renewed global action to protect vulnerable religious minorities.
He also expressed solidarity with families in Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where dozens of civilians were recently massacred in a fresh outbreak 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 Congo, where in recent days there has been a massacre of civilians,” he wrote.
The Pope appealed for an immediate end to bloodshed and urged faith communities 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 mounting concerns over extremist attacks, communal clashes and deepening insecurity affecting religious groups across parts of Africa and Asia.
Recently, US President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over what he called persecution of Christians in the country.
Trump has also threatened a military action in Nigeria to take safe Christians and take out the extremists.
