Pope Leo has voiced renewed alarm over the escalating violence, discrimination, and persecution faced by Christian populations in several nations, including Nigeria, Mozambique, Sudan, Bangladesh, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), among others.
The alarm came against the backdrop of the US declaration of Nigeria as a country of particular concern, CPC, in view of allegations of Christian genocide in the country, with Nigeria receiving significant criticism for its handling of attacks on Christian-dominated communities.
US President Donald Trump had, last month, warned of serious diplomatic and military consequences if the violence was not stopped, and directed the U.S. Department of War to prepare for possible action.
He stressed that any intervention would be “fast, vicious, and sweet.”
However, sharing his concerns on his official X account, the Pontiff decried repeated assaults on Christian communities and worship centres, calling for united global action to promote peace.
He stated: “In various parts of the world, Christians suffer discrimination and persecution. I think especially of Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mozambique, Sudan, and other countries from which we frequently hear of attacks on communities and places of worship.”
Pope Leo also extended heartfelt prayers to victims of recent violence, particularly families in the Kivu region of the DRC, where numerous civilians were brutally killed.
According to him, “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.
‘’Let us pray that all violence may cease and that believers may work together for the common good.”
