Nicki Minaj prays under Pope’s post as she pushes for action on Nigeria

Nicki Minaj added her voice to international concern over violence in Nigeria this week, posting a public prayer under a video of Pope Leo XIV appealing for the release of hostages in Nigeria and Cameroon, and asking for “immediate intervention” for victims and their families.

Her prayer follows a high-profile appearance at a U.S.-hosted U.N. event, where Minaj urged protection for Christians in Nigeria and thanked those who have pushed the issue into the spotlight.

Coverage and online response have been mixed: many welcomed the global attention and prayers, while critics, including Nigerian officials and some analysts, say the violence is complex and driven by crime and local conflicts, not only targeted at religious persecution.

Minaj’s prayer in response to the pope’s comment amplified calls for the hostages’ release and increased protection for victims, but it also reopened debate about how the crisis is framed and what concrete steps are needed next.