Roman Catholic Church leader, Pope Leo XIV, has
identified Nigeria as one of the countries where Christians continue to face
discrimination and persecution. He mentioned Nigeria alongside Bangladesh,
Mozambique, Sudan, and others.
The Pope made the remarks on Sunday, November 16, via
his official X account, where he expressed deep concern over the recurring
attacks on Christian communities and places of worship worldwide. He urged the
faithful to pray for peace and unity among all believers.
“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!” the pontiff wrote.
He also called for prayers for the families in Kivu,
Democratic Republic of the Congo, where recent massacres have claimed
several civilian lives.
“Let us pray that all violence may cease and that
believers may work together for the common good,” he added.
The Pope’s comments echo long-standing international
concerns, including those previously raised by former U.S. President Donald
Trump, who re-designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC)
due to alleged religious persecution.
The Nigerian federal government, however, has rejected
such classifications, insisting that Nigeria remains a secular nation and does
not sanction any form of genocide or religious targeting.
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