By Nkiruka Nnorom
Pope Leo has once again raised the alarm over the escalating violence, discrimination, and persecution faced by Christian communities in several countries, including Nigeria, Mozambique, Sudan, Bangladesh, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The Pontiff’s concerns come amid increasing international attention on Nigeria following allegations of targeted attacks on Christians in the country.
The United States recently declared Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) due to reports of alleged Christian persecution, prompting criticism of the Nigerian government for its handling of attacks on Christian-majority communities. Last month, former U.S. President Donald Trump warned of serious diplomatic and military consequences if the violence continued, directing the U.S. Department of War to prepare for potential intervention. He emphasized that any action would be “fast, vicious, and sweet.”
In a statement shared on his official X account, Pope Leo condemned the repeated assaults on Christian communities and places of worship. He called for global unity to promote peace and protect vulnerable populations. “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,” the Pontiff said.
Pope Leo also offered prayers for the victims of recent violence, particularly families in the Kivu region of the DRC, where numerous civilians were killed in brutal attacks. “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,” he added.
Meanwhile, American rapper Nicki Minaj, born Onika Maraj-Petty, is scheduled to address a United Nations event in New York today, focusing on the reported jihadist attacks on Christians in Nigeria. Minaj will appear alongside U.S. Ambassador to the UN Michael Waltz and Alex Bruesewitz, a presidential adviser and convener of the event.
The announcement of her participation was first reported by Time magazine’s senior political correspondent Eric Cortellessa. Ambassador Waltz praised Minaj for using her platform to spotlight the issue, describing her as “not only arguably the greatest female recording artist, but also a principled individual who refused to remain silent in the face of injustice.”
Responding to Waltz’s remarks, Minaj expressed gratitude for the opportunity and affirmed her commitment to speaking out. She stated that she would “never stand down in the face of injustice,” emphasizing the responsibility that comes with her influence.
The event follows Trump’s previous statements claiming there is an ongoing “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, a designation that led to Nigeria being labeled a “Country of Particular Concern.” Trump also called on the U.S. Congress to take immediate action. Minaj publicly commended Trump for raising awareness of the situation.
The Nigerian federal government has consistently denied claims of religiously motivated violence, maintaining that the country’s insecurity stems from criminal activities unrelated to faith. Despite this, U.S. officials and international voices continue to raise concerns over the safety and treatment of Christian populations in Nigeria.
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