Pope Leo has condemned the rising violence against Christians in Nigeria, describing the country as one of the worst affected globally in terms of attacks and killings targeting religious minorities.
In a statement posted on his verified X account on Sunday, the pontiff said Christian populations continue to face discrimination and persecution in multiple countries.
He cited Nigeria, Bangladesh, Mozambique, and Sudan as nations where attacks on churches and Christian communities are frequently reported.
Pope Leo lamented over what international rights organisations have described as a pattern of deadly persecution and alleged genocide against Christians in Nigeria.
He warned that violence against religious minorities is worsening in several regions around the world.
"I accompany in prayer the families of Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where in recent days there has been a massacre of civilians," he said, referring to a separate incident of mass violence in eastern Congo.
The Pope urged world leaders, religious institutions, and citizens to work towards ending hostilities and promoting peaceful coexistence.
"Let us pray that all violence may cease and that believers may work together for the common good," he said.
His comments follow renewed international attention on Nigeria’s security crisis. In October, United States (US) President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern" in response to reports of mass killings of Christians.
"Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter," Trump had said.
Trump said he had directed members of the House Appropriations Committee, including Rep Riley Moore and Rep Tom Cole, to investigate the situation and report their findings.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has also raised alarm over persistent violence in the country’s northern regions.
CAN had claimed that Christian communities have suffered severe attacks, loss of life, and destruction of places of worship, and called for urgent action from the government and security agencies.
READ ALSO: Alleged Genocide: PFN Accuses Government of Inaction
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