Pope Leo XIV has named Nigeria among those nations where Christians are being persecuted.
In a heartfelt appeal, he expressed deep concern over frequent attacks on Christian communities and places of worship in the country.
The pontiff made the statement on his official X account, urging believers everywhere to pray for peace and show solidarity.
He singled out Nigeria alongside Bangladesh, Mozambique, and Sudan. “God is a merciful Father who desires peace among all His children,” he wrote.
He also asked for prayers for families in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, especially in Kivu, where recent massacres have claimed many lives.
“Let us pray that all violence may cease and that believers may work together for the common good,” he added.
Back in Nigeria, the Church welcomed his message.
Many in the Catholic community see it as a powerful moral support at a time when insecurity and violence against Christians remain widespread.
Recall that in October this year, Politics Nigeria Reported that US President Donald Trump re-designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC), citing what he described as a surge in the killing of Christians.
He argued that radical Islamist groups are behind the violence and insisted that the United States must act.
