November 17, (THEWILL) — Pope Leo XIV on Sunday echoed the ongoing framing of terror-related killings in Nigeria as “Christian genocide,” by the United States of American when His Holiness added Nigeria among countries where Christians face discrimination and persecution, alongside Bangladesh, Mozambique, Sudan, and others.
The pontiff made the remarks on Sunday through his official X account, expressing concern over frequent attacks on Christian communities and places of worship. He urged prayers for peace and solidarity among all believers.
He wrote, “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!”
Pope Leo also called for prayers for the families of Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where recent massacres claimed the lives of civilians. “Let us pray that all violence may cease and that believers may work together for the common good,” he added.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has since refuted US President Donald Trump, recent re-designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” (CPC) due to reports of religious persecution, affirming that the country remains secular.
