Sanctions as Secular Substitutes for Christ’s Kingdom
Catholic News Agency reports (December 10, 2025) that U.S. President Donald Trump is preparing sanctions against Nigeria for alleged Christian persecution, as announced by Rep. Chris Smith (R-New Jersey) at a summit organized by the nonprofit “For the Martyrs.” The article quotes Smith calling Nigeria “ground zero” for anti-Christian violence, while Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Missouri) and Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-Indiana) praised Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern.” The piece frames religious persecution through geopolitical lenses, celebrating state intervention while ignoring the Church’s supernatural mission.









