Pope Names Nigeria, Mozambique Among Nations Facing Christian Persecution

Pope Names Nigeria, Mozambique Among Nations Facing Christian Persecution
He offered prayers for victims of recent massacres in Kivu.
The Pope urged global action and unity to stop ongoing violence

Pope Leo XIV has condemned the growing violence, intolerance and discrimination directed at Christian communities in parts of the world, listing Nigeria, Mozambique, Bangladesh and Sudan among countries where churches and worshippers continue to face deadly attacks.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a message shared on 𝕏 on Sunday, the Pope described the pattern of persecution as deeply troubling and called for renewed global efforts to safeguard vulnerable religious minorities. He also expressed sympathy for families mourning in Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, where dozens of civilians were recently killed in a new wave of violence.

“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 wrote.

The Pope urged an immediate end to the bloodshed and appealed to faith communities across the world to unite in promoting peace, stability and the common good. He stressed the need for cooperation at all levels to prevent further loss of lives and protect places of worship from attacks.

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

His comments come at a time of widespread concern over extremist attacks, communal unrest and worsening insecurity across Africa and Asia, where religious groups, including Christians, have faced sustained threats from armed groups.