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The current public war of words between Pope Leo XIV and President Trump has left me, and I guess many other Catholics, feeling completely torn. On one hand, I feel the need to defend the dignity of the Church and the Pope’s right to speak truth to power. On the other, I also feel the need to ask hard questions where it matters, especially when you have a President who doesn’t pull his punches when he feels a religious leader is overstepping into national security.

Let me start with what is clear to me. The Pope is not elected to please any president. The papacy is not a political office; it is a spiritual one. Catholics believe the process that produces a Pope is guided by the Holy Spirit, not by political calculations in Washington or anywhere else. So, when any political leader speaks as though the Pope’s emergence is somehow tied to their own influence, I find that deeply troubling. It shows a misunderstanding of what the Church is and how it works.

But as a Catholic, looking at this from a Nigerian perspective, my feelings go deeper than just politics. I feel a profound sense of disappointment that has nothing to do with who is winning the argument and everything to do with whose lives seem to matter most in the Vatican.

The defense for Pope Leo is strong and on paper, I agree with it. He wasn’t elected to please a president; he was elected to lead a church that has stood for 2000 years. His job is to be prophetic, to speak about peace and the poor even when it’s uncomfortable for world leaders. When he says he has “no fear” of the Trump administration, he’s acting in the tradition of saints who stood up to emperors. That is the theory, and as a believer, I respect that office.

But here is where the reality gets painful.

In Nigeria, we have about 115 million Christians, and about 35 million of them are Catholics. These are 35 million souls who look to Rome as their spiritual home. Yet, for twenty years, we have been living through what can only be described as a genocide. Since the start of 2026 alone, over 2,300 people have been unalived in Nigeria, and over 80 per cent of them are Christians. Our villages are being burned, our priests are being kidnapped, and our people are being slaughtered on an industrial scale.

For years, when we begged for the Vatican to speak up with fire and urgency, we were told the Pope has to be diplomatic. We were told he can’t get too political. His comments were always late and frankly, lackluster. It took local leaders like Bishop Anagbe from Benue State to physically go to the U.S. Congress to get anyone to pay attention. The Holy Father seemed remarkably reluctant with speeches while his Nigerian flock was being decimated.

This “diplomatic silence” is a recurring wound in our history. We remember Pope Pius XII, who was heavily criticized for his cautious, balanced words while the horrors of the Holocaust and the murder of thousands of Polish priests unfolded during World War II. He chose the path of the diplomat over the prophet, and the Church is still answering for that silence today.

In contrast, we saw Pope John Paul II find a thunderous, unmistakable voice to oppose the Iraq War in 2003, proving that when the Vatican wants to be heard on the world stage, it can shake the halls of power in Washington. My question to the Holy Father is simple: Why does a disagreement with the White House warrant the “John Paul II energy,” while the industrial-scale slaughter of Nigerians is met with the “Pius XII silence”?

So, you can imagine how it feels now to see Pope Leo XIV suddenly find his political voice. Suddenly, he has plenty to say about U.S. foreign policy. Suddenly, he is assertive and defiant in the media. If the Pope can be this vocal and this fearless when it comes to sparring with President Trump on Truth Social, why couldn’t he find that same energy to stop the killing of Christians in Nigeria?

It feels like a massive double standard. It makes it look like the Vatican is more interested in the high-profile drama of Western politics than the life-and-death survival of black Christians in Africa.

I am not interested in defending the President’s tone. Calling the Pope “weak” is disrespectful to the faith of millions. But the Pope needs to understand that when he chooses to jump into the political arena when it suits him, he loses the right to claim he is “above politics” when it is time to speak up for us.

Fair is fair. If you want to play the role of a political commentator, expect to be treated like one. I want a Pope who is a father to all, not just a critic of some. I want a Pope who realizes that a genocide in Nigeria deserves at least as much “prophetic fire” as a disagreement with the White House.

This shouldn’t be about choosing sides. It should be about balance. The Church must not be silent where it should speak loudly. And politicians must not speak as though they own what they clearly do not.

Until that happens, many of us will continue to feel like we are being left to face the fire alone, while the leaders who should be protecting and speaking for us are busy fighting a war of words that doesn’t save a single soul in Benue, Plateau, or Kwara.

-Young Ozogwu is an Abuja-based public commentator. You can contact him at young.ozogwu@gmail.com

OPINION: If the Pope Can Fight Trump, Why Can’t He Fight For Us? is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has ordered the immediate freezing of assets belonging to 13 individuals and entities allegedly linked to terrorism financing, in a sweeping compliance directive issued to capital market operators. In a notice titled “Commission’s Sweeping Compliance Directive Issued to Capital Market Operators, the regulator said the action followed the designation […]

Troops of the 8 Division Garrison have killed four suspected terrorists while foiling an attack in Sokoto State.
The development was contained in a post shared on on X by security analyst Zagazola Makama.

According to security sources cited in the post shared on Monday, the incident happened late on April 11 in Tara village, Sabon Birni Local Government Area.

The troops, who were stationed at the Forward Operating Base in Gatawa, were said to have acted on reports of terrorist movement in the area.

On getting there, they engaged the attackers in a gun battle.

“The troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them with superior firepower, killing four of them instantly,” the source said.

The remaining attackers were forced to flee the scene following the exchange.

No casualty was recorded among the troops during the operation.

Security sources added that troops have continued to stay alert and are carrying out further operations in the area to prevent more attacks.

Four terrorists killed as troops foil attack in Sokoto

…congratulate Senator Adeola Two governorship aspirants in Ogun State, Senator (Professor) Iyabo Obasanjo and Otunba Tunji Oredipe, have accepted the decision taken by the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), with the announcement of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) as the party’s consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship election. Recall that Governor Dapo Abiodun, […]

The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has stepped up efforts to curb illegal street activities. During a recent operation at Eleyele Market, the agency seized ten motorcycles and arrested several offenders. This action is part of its broader plan across the state to eliminate illegal street trading and keep public walkways clear. […]

No fewer than 100 families of children with disabilities have benefitted from a free medical outreach organised by OAKonsult Disabilities Outreach in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, bringing hope and relief to many caregivers struggling with the rising cost of healthcare. The outreach, held at the permanent site of the organisation in Ogbomoso, was designed to provide […]

CP has given assurance that the matter would be investigated — Oba Ladoja SUSPECTED herders have killed a 47 year old farmer in Asa village in Okelade area, in Ido Local Government Area. The victim, who was identified as Chief Mutairu Oladosu, Otun Balogun Oluode Okelade, was murdered while working on his tomatoes farm. The […]

As apex court hears Mark’s appeal Party fails to secure Eagle Square for venue, gets alternative location THE opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) holds its much anticipated National Convention today in Abuja despite contrary position taken by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against the exercise. The ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, confirmed […]

Energy experts have criticised recent recommendations by the World Bank urging Nigeria to deepen fuel importation and fully liberalise its downstream petroleum sector, warning that the advice is ill timed, economically regressive and in direct violation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

An energy economist and professor, Ken Ife, faulted the position during a televised interview on Nigeria’s economic outlook, noting that while parts of the World Bank’s latest Nigeria Development Update were analytically sound, its prescription on fuel importation threatens Nigeria’s strategic push for energy independence and local value addition.

“You cannot come to a country that is struggling, and which has just developed a vision of economic self-reliance and then advise it to reverse course and return to fuel importation,” Ife said. “That kind of recommendation undermines everything Nigeria is trying to achieve.”

He stressed that the advice directly contradicts the Petroleum Industry Act, which mandates priority supply of domestic crude to local refiners under the Domestic Crude Obligation framework.

“The law is very clear. Domestic refining must come first. Advising Nigeria to abandon that path is not just against government policy; it is a clear violation of the PIA,” Ife stated.

The economist warned that increased fuel importation would leave Nigeria more vulnerable to global supply disruptions, accelerate foreign exchange depletion and discourage ongoing investments in local refining, particularly at a time when private sector participation is expanding capacity.

“We are on track to build refining capacity that will exceed domestic demand and position Nigeria as an energy exporter. How can anyone credibly suggest that we abandon this progress and return to reckless import dependence?” he asked.

Ife also questioned the empirical basis of the World Bank’s fuel import recommendation, describing it as an unsupported addition to an otherwise rigorous report.

“This conclusion was strangely parachuted into what was largely a strong analysis. There is no evidence supporting a return to imports at a time when major refining countries are restricting exports,” he said.

While acknowledging the World Bank’s accurate assessment of Nigeria’s macroeconomic indicators, including GDP growth projections and sectoral performance—Ife cautioned that its fuel policy stance could worsen rather than improve economic conditions.

Echoing similar concerns, another energy expert, Kelvin Emmanuel, also criticised the World Bank’s position, describing it as flawed and disconnected from prevailing market realities.

Speaking during a televised interview, Emmanuel disclosed that the World Bank had reportedly withdrawn the contested Nigeria Development Update from its website.

“The World Bank has retracted the report. If you check the World Bank Nigeria website, you will see that the document has been taken down,” he said.

Emmanuel dismissed claims that imported petrol could be cheaper than locally refined fuel, insisting that current global market conditions make such assumptions unrealistic.

“There is no marketer today that can land petrol into Nigeria at less than N1,759 per litre when you factor in freight, insurance and supply chain risks,” he said

He explained that rising crude oil prices—driven largely by tensions in the Middle East, have fundamentally altered pricing dynamics, noting that while futures prices hover around $100 per barrel, spot prices are significantly higher.

“Dated Brent is trading at about $144 per barrel, which translates to roughly N1,249 per litre before distribution and other costs,” Emmanuel stated.

According to him, any suggestion that imported fuel is cheaper could only be explained by quality compromises.

“The only way imported petrol can appear cheaper is if standards are compromised, which, historically, has been the case,” he said.

Emmanuel also rejected claims that fuel prices in Nigeria are excessively high, noting that petrol remains cheaper domestically than in neighbouring African countries.

“There is nowhere in the region where petrol is sold as cheaply as it is in Nigeria,” he said.

On inflation and the rising cost of living, Emmanuel argued that Nigeria’s challenges stem from inconsistent enforcement of domestic supply frameworks rather than resource scarcity.

“Fuel price pressures in Nigeria are largely contrived. If local refiners receive crude supply as stipulated by law, prices will stabilise and volatility will reduce,” he explained.

He further criticised the World Bank’s advocacy for expanded social safety nets funded through borrowing, warning that such measures conflict with Nigeria’s fiscal responsibility laws.

“Social safety nets are important, but you do not borrow money to share. Borrowing is meant for capital projects and human development, not consumption. If support is needed, it should come in the form of grants, not loans,” he said.

The post World Bank advice risks dragging Nigeria back into fuel import trap — Energy experts appeared first on Vanguard News.

The Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Abia State Command, CN Chilee Chigbu says the Command operates one of the largest and most effective rehabilitation centres in Nigeria, where rehabilitation of individuals affected by drug abuse is handled.

The Commander, who stated this during her visit to the State Coordinator of National Directorate of Employment, NDE, Mrs Nwachukwu Tessy, emphasized the need for sustained support in the recovery process of rehabilitated drug addicts.

She stressed that rehabilitation alone is not enough without proper reintegration into society and appealed to the NDE to introduce skill acquisition programmes for individuals currently undergoing treatment at the NDLEA rehabilitation centre.

According to CN Chilee, equipping the rehabilitated drug users with practical skills will help them cope better during and after their recovery from addiction.

He further urged the NDE to consider providing employment opportunities for rehabilitated individuals, noting that gainful engagement is key to preventing relapse and ensuring they remain productive members of society.

In her response, the State Coordinator of the NDE, Abia State, assured the NDLEA of the agency’s readiness to collaborate effectively.

She stated that the NDE has professional trainers spread across the State who are well-equipped to support skill acquisition programmes covering over eighty different vocational skills.

NDLEA, NDE partner to rehabilitate drug addicts in Abia