The International Society for Civil Rights and Rule of Law has criticised the omission of Nigeria and several other African countries from the ongoing visit of Pope Leo to parts of the continent, describing it as a major oversight.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the group expressed concern that countries with large Christian populations, including Nigeria, were not captured in the papal itinerary.
The statement was jointly signed by the organisation’s Board Chairman, Emeka Umeagbalasi; Head of Campaign and Publicity, Chidinma Udegbunam; Head of Civil Liberties and Rule of Law, Obianuju Igboeli; and Head of International Freedom of Religion and Worship, Ekene Umeagu.
The group noted that the Pope’s visit, which covers Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea, excluded what it described as key Christian-populated nations such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya and Ethiopia.
According to Intersociety, the omission is significant given the size of the Christian population in the affected countries and the security challenges confronting many of them.
It argued that nations with large Catholic populations should have been prioritised, particularly in light of ongoing threats to Christian communities in parts of Africa.
The group also called for reforms within the Catholic Church, including increased representation of African countries in the College of Cardinals, especially those with large Catholic populations.
It urged the Vatican to consider appointing additional cardinal-electors for countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo to strengthen the Church’s presence on the continent.
While acknowledging the Pope’s message of peace, the organisation stressed the need for more concrete measures to support Christian communities facing security challenges.
It further appealed for greater attention to regions experiencing persistent violence, noting that such visits could serve as encouragement to affected populations.
The group maintained that a more inclusive approach to papal visits would better reflect the realities of the global Christian community and reinforce the Church’s support for vulnerable regions.
