Pope Leo has issued a strong and urgent warning about the rising violence, discrimination, and persecution targeting Christian communities across several countries, including Nigeria, Mozambique, Sudan, Bangladesh, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). His concern follows growing international scrutiny, especially after the United States designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” over allegations of widespread attacks on Christian-majority communities.
Last month, U.S. President Donald Trump cautioned that continued violence could trigger serious diplomatic or military consequences. He instructed the U.S. Department of War to prepare for possible intervention, stating that any action taken would be “fast, vicious, and sweet.”
In a message shared on his official X account, Pope Leo lamented the repeated attacks on Christian worship centres and communities, urging the global community to unite in promoting peace and protecting vulnerable populations. “In various parts of the world, Christians suffer discrimination and persecution,” 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.”
The Pontiff also offered prayers for families in the Kivu region of the DRC, where numerous civilians were recently massacred. He described God as a merciful Father who desires peace for all, calling on believers worldwide to “work together for the common good.”
Meanwhile, international attention is set to intensify further as American rapper Onika Maraj-Petty, popularly known as Nicki Minaj, is scheduled to speak at a United Nations event in New York today. She is expected to address alleged jihadist attacks against Christians in Nigeria. Minaj will appear alongside U.S. Ambassador to the UN Michael Waltz and Alex Bruesewitz, adviser to President Trump and organiser of the event.
Ambassador Waltz commended Minaj for her willingness to speak on the matter, calling her both an iconic artist and a principled advocate against injustice. Minaj, in response, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating that she would “never stand down in the face of injustice.”
The planned UN event comes after President Trump accused Nigeria of facing an ongoing “Christian genocide” and announced a formal move to classify the country under heightened international concern. Nigeria’s federal government has consistently rejected claims of religiously motivated violence, insisting that insecurity stems from general criminality rather than faith-based targeting.
Despite the government’s position, U.S. officials and international observers continue to express deep concern about the escalating attacks and their implications for regional stability and human rights.