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Pope Leo XIV has highlighted Nigeria as one of the countries where Christians face persecution and discrimination, alongside nations such as Bangladesh, Mozambique, and Sudan.
The Roman Catholic Church leader made the statement on Sunday, November 16, via his official X account, expressing concern over frequent attacks on Christian communities and places of worship.
The pontiff called for prayers for peace and solidarity among all believers, emphasizing the need for unity and mutual respect in regions experiencing religious tensions.
In his post, Pope Leo XIV specifically mentioned Nigeria, noting the recurring reports of attacks on Christian communities and churches.
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!”
The pope also extended prayers to the families affected by recent massacres in the Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where civilians have lost their lives to ongoing violence.
He urged that all forms of violence cease and that believers from different faiths work together for the common good.
The pontiff’s remarks echo previous concerns raised by international observers, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, who re-designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” (CPC) due to reports of religious persecution.
These designations are typically made when a country is perceived to tolerate or fail to prevent systematic discrimination or attacks against religious groups.
However, the Nigerian federal government has consistently rejected claims of religious persecution, maintaining that the country remains secular and does not support any form of genocide or targeting of a particular faith.
Authorities have emphasized that while isolated incidents of violence occur, they do not reflect state policy or religious bias, and efforts are being made to protect all citizens regardless of their faith.
The pope’s statements have drawn attention from both local and international audiences, with Nigerians expressing mixed reactions on social media. Some expressed agreement and concern over the plight of Christians in the country, while others argued that the statements might be politically motivated or influenced by misinformation.
Nonetheless, the pope’s call for prayers and peaceful coexistence resonates with advocates for religious tolerance, reminding leaders and citizens alike of the importance of safeguarding places of worship and fostering interfaith harmony.
Pope Leo XIV’s remarks serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by religious communities in several countries.
While Nigeria has a diverse religious landscape, incidents of targeted attacks against specific groups continue to generate debate over the nation’s approach to protecting religious freedom.
The pontiff’s appeal for prayer, solidarity, and peace underscores the need for collective efforts to ensure safety, tolerance, and mutual respect among all faith communities, particularly in regions facing persistent violence.
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