Pope Leo XIV has named Nigeria among several countries where Christians reportedly face discrimination and persecution, placing it alongside Bangladesh, Mozambique, Sudan, and others.
The Catholic pontiff made the statement on Sunday, November 16, through his official X account, expressing concern over repeated attacks on Christian communities and worship centres globally.
Pope Leo XIV calls for international aid
He called on the international community to pray for peace, protection, and unity among all believers.
“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!” he wrote.
Pope Leo XIV also urged prayers for families in Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, following recent massacres that claimed multiple civilian lives.
Trump labels Nigeria CPC
His remarks align with earlier concerns raised by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who previously re-designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) due to alleged religious persecution.
However, the Nigerian federal government has dismissed such classifications, maintaining that Nigeria is a secular nation and does not endorse genocide or the targeting of any religious group.
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