Erik Prince, the founder of the controversial private military company Blackwater, has publicly appealed to Pope Leo XIV for financial support to protect Nigerian Christians from escalating violence.
Prince made the request via social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on October 8, 2025, urging the Pope to fund a private force aimed at defending communities facing attacks in Nigeria. His post highlights the growing insecurity in the region, where violent incidents have caused significant loss of life and displacement among Christian populations.
The appeal has rapidly gained traction across social media, drawing attention from news outlets such as Defence Times Nigeria. However, the Vatican has not issued any official response to Prince’s request.
This development raises questions about the role of private security in conflict zones and the ethical implications of soliciting religious institutions for funding armed protection.
