Pope Expresses Concern Over Christian Persecution in Bangladesh

Pope Leo XIV has expressed deep concern over incidents of discrimination and persecution against Christian communities in various countries around the world. In particular, he has called upon Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mozambique, Sudan, and several other countries regarding attacks on Christian communities and places of worship, saying that God desires peace among all His children.

This message has again brought the communal attacks that occurred in Bangladesh into the international spotlight, which is being considered significantly damaging to the country’s image.

The 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, Leo XIV (birth name Robert Francis Prevost), was elected Pope on 8 May 2025. He is the first American Pope and the second from the American continent (after Pope Francis).

On 16 November, after the Angelus prayer at St. Peter’s Square, he delivered this message, which was later published on the Pope’s official X handle.

“Christians in various parts of the world are victims of discrimination and persecution. I am thinking especially of Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mozambique, Sudan and other countries from where we often hear news of attacks on communities and places of worship. God is a merciful Father who wants peace among all His children!”

Pope Leo XIV also said, “I am with the families in my prayers in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where civilians have been massacred in recent days. Let us pray that all violence ends and that believers work together for the common good.”

He also prayed for people suffering due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, for victims of road accidents, and for victims of sexual abuse.

The Pope’s statement regarding persecution of Christians in Bangladesh has drawn global attention. Christians in Bangladesh make up only 0.3% of the total population and often face discrimination as a minority. Amid recent political unrest, misinformation spread on social media and activities of extremist groups have reportedly increased attacks on minority communities.

Incidents such as burning Christian homes in the Chittagong Hill Tracts after August 2024, and several cocktail attacks on churches and church-run schools in Dhaka, have been published for several weeks in various newspapers in the country.

According to international human rights organization Open Doors, in 2025 Christian children and teenagers in Bangladesh are facing bullying in schools, and Bible study has become difficult in rural areas.

This message has posed a challenge for the Bangladesh government. Although the administration led by interim government Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has assured steps to protect minorities, in reality no significant action has been seen from the government. These messages on the international stage have raised questions about the country’s image of religious tolerance.

Analysts say the Pope’s remarks may affect Bangladesh’s diplomatic relations—especially with Western countries—and will raise demands for stronger protection of minority rights.

Kolkata Archbishop Cardinal Sebastian D’Souza said, “The Pope’s appeal is a reminder to all Christians around the world that no society can progress without peace and tolerance.”

Christian leaders in Bangladesh have welcomed this message and sought assurance of protection from the government.

Pope Leo XIV’s concern has expressed sympathy for persecuted Christians worldwide, while also urging Bangladesh to be more vigilant in protecting religious freedom and minority rights.