Pope will address tensions between Christianity and Islam in Africa, Nigerian bishop says

When Pope Leo XIV visits Africa for the first time as pontiff next week, Catholics and others across the continent will be watching with interest for what it reveals about the pope’s agenda and priorities for their region. One of those watching will be Bishop John Niyiring of Kano, Nigeria, a fellow Augustinian and longtime friend of the pope.

The pope is scheduled to visit Algeria, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, and Cameroon on his first apostolic journey to the continent April 13–23.

Growing conflict between African Muslims and Christians

Niyiring is concerned about the state of Christian-Muslim relations in Africa, particularly in Muslim-majority countries such as Algeria.

Niyiring described the situation as one of fear between the two religions. His comments on the situation echo those of several African prelates who have recently voiced concern over the plight of Christians on the continent, highlighting the struggle Christians often face to practice their faith in predominantly Muslim African countries.

“There is always that fear between Christianity and Islam,” Niyiring told EWTN News. “Islam is becoming a religion that is quite strong in Africa, and we Christians will have to engage with Muslim leaders. … But it is dialogue that takes that fear out. Without dialogue, people will always be suspicious and afraid of one another. I am sure that the Holy Father will say something about that.”

Niyiring said he hopes the pope’s trip also raises awareness of other issues often ignored in the West, including poverty, political corruption, and the plight of young girls in Africa.

“In many countries, perhaps in the West, nobody discusses the issues facing young girls on the streets. We see many of them on our streets [as victims of sex trafficking], and there are situations where they don’t get the attention they need, especially in education,” he said.

Regarding politicians, the bishop said: “In Africa today, there are people who want to be in government, but they’re hardly interested in the well-being of their people. We would like to hear Leo say more about [political corruption], encouraging our leaders to be leaders who love their people and are there to serve them.”

Serving with the then-Father Robert Prevost

The future pope, then-Father Robert Prevost, served as prior general of the Augustinians from 2001 to 2013. During this period, Prevost played a key role in helping establish a new province for the Augustinians in Nigeria, an experience that greatly enhanced the future pope’s knowledge of the country and the African continent.

“His trip to Nigeria in 2001 — one of several he made there — was the first canonical visit he made outside Rome as prior general. I worked closely with him after I became the provincial superior of the Augustinians in Nigeria in 2005, until I became a bishop in 2008. His presence there was crucial. There were also projects underway in Nigeria and across Africa, and he helped a lot in raising funds to build them. I brought many problems to his attention as the provincial of a young order. And he was always attentive and always emphasized the importance of finding new approaches to issues,” Niyiring said.

Niyiring also praised the pope’s leadership style while serving the Augustinians, noting his attentiveness and calm.

“He has a pleasant personality. He was always attentive and always emphasized the importance of finding new approaches to issues. He encouraged us to be open to the promptings of the spirit and willing to change in situations that needed it.”