Pope Leo XIV has issued a stark warning about the growing hostility and violence directed at Christian communities across parts of Africa and Asia, calling the surge in attacks “profoundly alarming.”
In a statement shared on 𝕏 on Sunday, the Pope listed Nigeria, Mozambique, Bangladesh and Sudan among the countries where churches and Christian populations continue to suffer deadly assaults. He appealed to world leaders and humanitarian organizations to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable religious minorities facing persistent threats.
The Pontiff also turned his attention to the Democratic Republic of Congo, expressing deep sorrow over the recent massacre of civilians in the troubled Kivu region. Dozens of residents were reportedly killed in a new wave of violence, adding to the region’s long-running instability.
“God is a merciful Father who desires peace among all His children,” Pope Leo XIV wrote. “I hold in prayer the families in Kivu, where in recent days a tragic loss of life has occurred.”
He urged religious communities worldwide to unite in promoting peace, calling for an immediate end to bloodshed. “Let us pray that violence may stop, and that believers everywhere may work together to serve the common good,” he added.
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The Pope’s comments come amid heightened anxiety over extremist attacks, sectarian clashes and deteriorating security conditions in several countries. Analysts warn that Christian groups—along with other religious minorities—are increasingly targeted by armed factions seeking to exploit local tensions.
