Pope Leo XIV has condemned the rising wave of violence, intolerance and discrimination faced by Christian communities in several parts of the world, naming Nigeria, Mozambique, Bangladesh and Sudan among countries where churches and believers continue to come under deadly attacks.
In a message posted on 𝕏 on Sunday, the Pope described the pattern of persecution as “deeply troubling,” urging renewed international action to protect vulnerable religious minorities.
The Pontiff also expressed solidarity with grieving families in Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, where dozens of civilians were recently massacred in a fresh outbreak of violence.
He wrote, “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.”
Calling for an immediate halt to violence, Pope Leo XIV appealed to faith communities around the world to work together to promote peace, stability and the common good.
He added, “Let us pray that all violence may cease and that believers may work together for the common good.”
His remarks come amid rising concerns over extremist attacks, communal clashes and worsening insecurity across Africa and Asia, regions where religious groups, including Christians, have increasingly been targeted by armed groups.
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