Key Points

• Pope Leo raises concern over rising attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria and other countries.
• Nicki Minaj speaks at a UN event focused on reported jihadist attacks on Christians in Nigeria.
• The United States increases pressure after listing Nigeria as a country of particular concern.

Pope Leo has raised fresh concern over rising violence and discrimination against Christians in several countries.

He pointed to Nigeria, Mozambique, Sudan, Bangladesh and the Democratic Republic of the Congo as places where attacks on churches and Christian communities continue to cause fear.

The warning followed the decision by the United States to list Nigeria as a country of particular concern.

The label came after claims that Christian communities are facing targeted killings. Nigeria also faces criticism from rights groups over its response to repeated attacks in rural and urban areas.

US Pressure Builds

President Donald Trump warned last month that continued violence would draw both diplomatic and military pressure.

He told the United States Department of War to prepare for possible action and promised what he called a fast, vicious and sweet response if the situation worsened.

Later, in a message shared on his official X account, the Pope urged world leaders to calm tensions.

He noted repeated attacks on worship centers and encouraged fresh peace efforts that protect all believers.

The Pope added that Christians in Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mozambique and Sudan face steady threats.

He also offered prayers for families in the Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo after a recent attack left many civilians dead.

He stressed that God desires peace among all people and urged the faithful to work together for the common good.

Nicki Minaj joins global conversation

As the issue gains more attention, a new voice is stepping in. American rapper Onika Maraj Petty, widely known as Nicki Minaj, will speak at a United Nations event in New York today. The event will focus on reported jihadist attacks on Christians in Nigeria.

Minaj will appear with the United States ambassador to the UN, Michael Waltz, and Alex Bruesewitz, an adviser to President Trump.

Time magazine correspondent Eric Cortellessa first shared news of the event on Sunday.

Waltz praises Minaj’s stance

Ambassador Waltz confirmed the plan and praised Minaj as a principled artist who refused to stay quiet during what he called injustice.

He thanked her for drawing attention to what he described as atrocities against Christian communities.

Minaj welcomed the invitation. She said she takes the responsibility seriously and noted that her platform should serve a wider purpose.

The Nigerian Government maintains its position

Her appearance comes after President Trump claimed there is an ongoing Christian genocide in Nigeria.

He announced that Nigeria would be listed as a country of particular concern and urged Congress to respond with speed. Minaj publicly supported his remarks.

The federal government has dismissed the allegations. Officials argue that insecurity across the country stems from criminal groups and not from religious motives. Even with that stance, United States lawmakers and diplomats continue to raise questions.