Pope Leo XIV has expressed alarm over what he described as a growing wave of attacks, discrimination and persecution faced by Christian communities in several countries, including Nigeria, Mozambique, Sudan, Bangladesh and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
In a statement shared on his official X account, the Pope said Christians in these regions continue to suffer attacks on their places of worship and settlements, urging world leaders and faith communities to work together to end the violence.
“In various parts of the world, Christians suffer discrimination and persecution. I think especially of Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mozambique, Sudan, and other countries from which we frequently hear of attacks on communities and places of worship,” he wrote.
The Pope also offered prayers for families in Kivu, in eastern DRC, where dozens of civilians were recently killed, saying God desires peace among all His children and calling for believers to unite for the common good.
His comments come amid renewed international criticism of Nigeria’s handling of attacks on Christian populations. Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently accused the Nigerian government of allowing “mass killings” of Christians, warning that the United States could take diplomatic or military action if the violence continues. Trump said he had instructed the U.S. Department of War to “prepare for possible action” and threatened to withdraw aid, while re-designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern for alleged violations of religious freedom.
Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, has firmly rejected the claims, insisting that the country does not tolerate religious persecution and protects citizens of all faiths. He said portraying Nigeria as hostile to Christians does not reflect reality, noting that insecurity affects both Christians and Muslims. Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, also dismissed Trump’s comments as dangerous and warned that they could be used to justify foreign interference. He emphasised that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees full religious freedom and equal protection for all citizens.
The global focus on Christian persecution continues to intensify, with religious leaders and international observers calling for stronger efforts to protect vulnerable communities and ensure peace across affected regions.