Pope Leo Names Nigeria Among Countries Witnessing Christian Persecution
- brilliantachievers0
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Pope Leo XIV has identified Nigeria as one of several countries where Christians continue to face discrimination and violent attacks, reiterating the Vatican’s concern over rising threats to religious freedom across parts of Africa and Asia.
In a message posted on his official X account on Sunday, the pontiff lamented the plight of Christian communities targeted around the world and called for renewed commitment to peace.
“Christians in many regions endure discrimination and persecution,” he wrote, naming Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mozambique and Sudan among places where assaults on worshippers and churches remain frequent. He also offered prayers for families in Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, where a recent massacre claimed numerous civilian lives.
The Pope urged an end to violence and appealed to all believers “to work together for the common good.
His remarks come amid persistent reports highlighting the scale of Christian persecution in Nigeria. Only last month, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) — a pontifical foundation — released a global review flagging Nigeria as one of 24 countries where religious freedom faces “serious violations.” The report noted that in eight nations, including Nigeria, persecution is driven by a mix of authoritarian structures and religious extremism.
However, during the report’s presentation in Rome, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin offered a broader perspective. He cautioned against framing Nigeria’s insecurity solely through a religious lens, noting that extremist groups also target Muslim communities.
“These groups make no distinctions,” Parolin said. “Many Muslims in Nigeria suffer the same violence and intolerance.”
His comments have stirred criticism among sections of the Catholic clergy who argue that the religious dimensions of Nigeria’s crises should not be understated.
Meanwhile, the issue has drawn international political attention. US President Donald Trump recently restored Nigeria’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC), citing longstanding reports of religious persecution. The Nigerian government has rejected the designation, insisting that the nation remains a secular state committed to protecting all faiths.
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