Pope Leo raises alarm over Christian killings in Nigeria, urges world leaders to act

Pope Leo has strongly condemned the escalating attacks and alleged killings of Christians in Nigeria, describing the country as one of the worst affected by targeted violence against Christian communities.

The Pope voiced his concerns amid mounting reports from international human rights groups highlighting a pattern of deadly persecution and what many have termed an alleged genocide against Christians in Nigeria. He warned that violence against religious minorities is worsening in several parts of the world.

In a post shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, the pontiff lamented that Christian communities continue to face “discrimination and persecution” across multiple countries.

“In various parts of the world, Christians suffer discrimination and persecution,” Pope Leo wrote.

He singled out Nigeria as one of the nations where recurring attacks on churches and Christian settlements have caused widespread fear, displacement, and significant loss of life.

“I think especially of Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mozambique, Sudan, and other countries from which we frequently hear of attacks on communities and places of worship,” he said.

The Pope also expressed grief over the recent massacre of civilians in Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, noting that the tragedy reflects a broader rise in religiously motivated violence across Africa.

“God is a merciful father who desires peace among all His children. 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 stated.

Calling for urgent international intervention, Pope Leo appealed to world leaders, religious groups, and citizens to advocate for an immediate end to hostilities and renewed efforts toward peaceful coexistence.

“Let us pray that all violence may cease and that believers may work together for the common good,” he added.

His remarks come as global pressure intensifies for stronger actions to safeguard vulnerable Christian communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and northern regions, where attacks by extremist groups and armed militias have persisted for years.