Pope Leo XIV drew global attention to the ongoing discrimination and persecution endured by Christians in several countries, explicitly naming Nigeria alongside others.
In a poignant message shared on X via his official account on Sunday, the pontiff emphasized peace as a divine imperative, writing: “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 extended prayers to the families affected by recent violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's Kivu region, where civilians have faced massacres in recent days.
“God is a merciful Father who desires peace among all His children! Let us pray that all violence may cease and that believers may work together for the common good,” the pope added.
The pope's remarks come amid escalating reports of Christian persecution in Nigeria, a nation long plagued by insecurity.
Just last month, the Pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) released a report identifying Nigeria as one of 24 countries worldwide where religious freedom faces severe violations.
The document highlighted that in eight nations, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Libya, Maldives, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, and Yemen, such persecution stems from a toxic blend of authoritarian rule and religious extremism.
Yet, during the report's unveiling in Rome, Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin sought to temper the narrative of religiously motivated violence in Nigeria.
“We should also recognise that many Muslims in Nigeria are themselves victims of this same intolerance,” Parolin stated.
“These are extremist groups that make no distinctions in pursuing their goals. They use violence against anyone they see as an opponent.”
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