Pope Leo, Nicki Minaj raise alarm over violence against Christians in Nigeria and beyond

Pope Leo has expressed deep concern over the growing violence, discrimination, and persecution faced by Christian communities in several countries, including Nigeria, Mozambique, Sudan, Bangladesh, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

His statement comes amid the United States’ designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over alleged Christian genocide, with the Nigerian government facing criticism for its handling of attacks on Christian-dominated communities.

US President Donald Trump last month warned of potential diplomatic and military action if the violence did not cease, instructing the Department of War to prepare for “fast, vicious, and sweet” intervention.

Sharing his concerns on his official X account, Pope Leo decried the repeated assaults on Christians and places of worship worldwide, calling for global unity to foster peace. He stated:
“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.”

He also offered prayers for victims of recent violence, particularly families in the Kivu region of the DRC, where numerous civilians were reportedly massacred. “God is a merciful Father who desires peace among all His children! I accompany in prayer the families of Kivu… Let us pray that all violence may cease and that believers may work together for the common good,” the Pontiff added.

In related developments, American rapper Nicki Minaj, born Onika Maraj-Petty, is set to speak at a United Nations event in New York, addressing reported jihadist attacks on Christians in Nigeria. Minaj will appear alongside US Ambassador to the UN, Michael Waltz, and presidential adviser Alex Bruesewitz.

Time magazine’s senior political correspondent Eric Cortellessa first reported the event, with Amb. Waltz praising Minaj for using her platform to highlight atrocities against Christians. Minaj expressed gratitude for the opportunity, emphasizing her commitment to speaking out against injustice: “I would never stand down in the face of injustice,” she said.

The UN event follows Trump’s earlier claims of an ongoing Christian genocide in Nigeria and his push for immediate congressional action.

While the Nigerian government maintains that the country’s security challenges are criminal rather than faith-based, US officials continue to voice serious concerns over the safety of Christian communities.