Intersociety Criticizes Pope Leo XIV for Omitting Key African Nations from Tour

The International Society for Civil Rights and Rule of Law, known as Intersociety, has labeled the exclusion of Nigeria and several other major African nations from Pope Leo XIV’s current tour of the continent as a significant oversight.

In a statement released by leadership figures including Emeka Umeagbalasi, Chidinma Evangeline Udegbunam, Obianuju Joy Igboeli, and Engr. Ekene Bede Umeagu, the organization voiced disappointment that countries with massive Catholic populations—specifically the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia—were left off the itinerary.

The advocacy group argued that the Pope’s visit should have prioritized regions facing intense religious persecution.

They highlighted that while the chosen destinations like Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea have their own significance, they do not face the same level of existential threat from extremist groups as the countries that were bypassed.

According to Intersociety, the six omitted nations collectively house millions of Catholics and Christians who are currently vulnerable to militant violence.

Furthermore, the organization called for structural reforms within the Church, including the appointment of additional Cardinal-Electors for nations like Nigeria, Uganda, and Kenya.

They specifically requested that new cardinal appointments in Nigeria be drawn from areas heavily impacted by violence, such as Taraba and Benue states, to support local leaders who have remained steadfast despite severe attacks on their communities and clergy.

The statement concluded by emphasizing that the Vatican must take bolder, more strategic actions to protect global Christianity.

Intersociety urged Church leadership to move beyond symbolic gestures and address the mounting security challenges facing their followers in Africa, warning that failing to do so could jeopardize the future of the faith in these regions.