Bishops, priests, pastoral workers, and missionaries in Africa and elsewhere have frequently been targets for attacks: many have been kidnapped, and others have been killed. Ten of the 17 priests and pastoral agents killed last year were from Africa, and Nigeria accounted for half of Africa’s deaths. From 2000 to 2025, Fides has documented the deaths of 626 missionaries or pastoral workers. In a single year, five priests and pastoral workers were murdered, a devastating figure that represents almost a third of all clergy killed worldwide. He explained that what’s going on in Nigeria is a jihad—a deliberate targeting of Christians and Christian leaders for their faith.

Source: CNN January 03, 2026 23:14 UTC