Pope Leo XIV, leader of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City, has singled out Nigeria among several nations where Christians continue to face violent attacks, alongside Bangladesh, Mozambique, and Sudan.

In a message posted on his official X account on Sunday, the pontiff expressed deep concern over repeated assaults targeting Christian communities and places of worship worldwide. He called for prayers to foster peace and unity among believers, emphasizing that discrimination and persecution remain widespread.

“Across many regions, Christians endure discrimination and persecution. I am thinking in particular of Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mozambique, Sudan, and other countries where reports of attacks on communities and churches are frequent. God, our merciful Father, desires peace for all His children,” the Pope stated.

He also offered prayers for families in Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, where recent massacres have claimed civilian lives. The Pope urged an end to violence and encouraged Christians to unite in pursuit of the common good.

His remarks come amid growing international scrutiny of Nigeria. On October 31, U.S. President Donald Trump classified Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged Christian genocide, warning that American forces could intervene to “wipe out the jihadists” if Nigeria’s government fails to stop the killings.

Nigeria’s Federal Government has repeatedly rejected such accusations, insisting that claims of a systematic genocide against Christians are misleading and distort the country’s broader security challenges.

Adding to the debate, U.S. Congressman Riley Moore on Sunday criticized President Bola Tinubu’s assertion that Nigeria does not engage in religious persecution, arguing that realities on the ground contradict the President’s position.