Pope Leo XIV Lists Nigeria Among Countries Facing Christian Persecution

• Pope Leo XIV listed Nigeria among several countries, including Bangladesh, Mozambique, and Sudan, where Christians are facing discrimination and persecution, noting that he frequently hears of attacks on communities and places of worship.
• The Pontiff, who urged prayers for peace, shared his concerns on his official X account.
• His statement mirrors previous classifications by US President Donald Trump, although the Nigerian federal government has consistently rejected such claims, insisting the nation is secular.

Pope Leo XIV, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, has identified Nigeria as one of several nations where Christians continue to experience discrimination and persecution, listing it alongside Bangladesh, Mozambique, and Sudan.

The pontiff made the remarks on Sunday, November 16, via his official X account, expressing concern over frequent attacks on Christian communities and places of worship globally.

He urged prayers for peace and solidarity among all believers, writing:

“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 also specifically called for prayers for the families of Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where recent massacres claimed the lives of civilians, adding:

“Let us pray that all violence may cease and that believers may work together for the common good.”

The Pope’s statement echoes similar concerns 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 federal government has consistently rejected this classification, affirming that the country remains secular and is not supporting the targeting of a particular faith.