Pope Leo XIV has identified Nigeria as one of the countries where Christians continue to face discrimination and violent attacks. The pontiff made the remark in a message posted on Sunday via his official X account, calling for an end to global religious violence and urging believers to unite in building peace.
“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.
Describing peace as a “heavenly virtue,” Pope Leo XIV expressed solidarity with victims of recent violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. “God is a merciful Father who desires peace among all His children! I accompany in prayer the families of Kivu… where in recent days there has been a massacre of civilians,” he added.
“Let us pray that all violence may cease and that believers may work together for the common good.”
The pope’s comments come amid persistent reports of faith-related attacks in Nigeria. Just last month, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), a Pontifical foundation, released a report naming Nigeria among 24 countries where religious freedom is “seriously violated.” The report links persecution in places such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Libya, Maldives, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, and Yemen to a mix of authoritarianism and religious extremism.
However, during the presentation of the document in Rome, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin cautioned against viewing Nigeria’s insecurity solely through a religious lens.
“We should also recognise that many Muslims in Nigeria are themselves victims of this same intolerance,” Parolin said. “These are extremist groups that make no distinctions in pursuing their goals. They use violence against anyone they see as an opponent.”
His remarks have drawn criticism from some Catholic clerics who argue that the extent of Christian targeting in Nigeria should not be downplayed.
