Pope Leo XIV, leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has named Nigeria among a number of nations where Christians still face discrimination and persecution, placing it alongside Bangladesh, Mozambique, Sudan, and others.

He made this statement on Sunday, November 16, through his official X account, voicing concern over recurring assaults on Christian populations and worship centres.

He urged prayers for peace and solidarity among all believers.

“I think especially of Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mozambique, Sudan, and other countries from which we frequently hear of attacks on communities and places of worship. God is a merciful Father who desires peace among all His children!” he wrote.

The Pope also called for prayers for the families of Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where recent massacres claimed the lives of civilians.

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

The Pope’s statement echoes concerns previously raised by US President Donald Trump, who re-designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” (CPC) due to reports of religious persecution.

However, the Nigerian federal government has rejected this classification, affirming that the country remains secular and is not supporting any genocide or targeting of a particular faith.