Pope Leo Condemns Rising Attacks on Christians in Nigeria, Warns of Worsening Global Persecution
Pope Leo Raises Alarm Over Killings of Christians in Nigeria
Pope Leo has condemned the escalating attacks and alleged killings of Christians in Nigeria, warning that the country has become one of the world’s worst-hit zones for Christian persecution.
In a post shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, the pontiff said Christians continue to face “discrimination and persecution” across many regions, with Nigeria standing out due to recurrent deadly assaults targeting churches and Christian communities.
Nigeria Among Countries Facing Severe Religious Attacks
Pope Leo highlighted Nigeria as one of the countries experiencing repeated violence against Christian settlements, resulting in mass casualties, displacement, and widespread fear.
Concern for Broader Religious Violence Across Africa
The Pope also expressed sorrow over the recent massacre of civilians in Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, noting that it reflects a worrying trend of religiously targeted attacks across Africa.
He reaffirmed that “God is a merciful father who desires peace among all His children,” calling for unity and prayer for affected families across the continent.
Pope Calls for Global Action to Protect Vulnerable Communities
Pope Leo urged world leaders, religious institutions, and citizens to push for immediate cessation of violence and renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence.
“Let us pray that all violence may cease and that believers may work together for the common good,” he said.
U.S. President Donald Trump Re-Designates Nigeria as Country of Particular Concern
In October 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump responded to growing claims of genocide against Christians in Nigeria by redesignating the country as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
Trump warned that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria,” accusing radical extremist groups of carrying out “mass slaughter.”
He directed members of the U.S. Congress, including Rep. Riley Moore and Rep. Tom Cole, to investigate the situation and provide a formal report to his administration.
CAN Raises Alarm Over Intensifying Attacks
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has also voiced deep concern over persistent violence in parts of the North and Middle Belt, stating that Christian communities continue to suffer widespread killings, displacement, and destruction of worship centres.
CAN called for urgent, transparent action from the Nigerian government and security agencies, warning that the scale of attacks has reached alarming levels.
