The Pakistani government's decision to exclude Christian representatives from its official delegation to Pope Leo XIV's inauguration has ignited significant protests within the country's Christian community. The delegation comprised Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, a Muslim; Minister of State for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Kheal Das Kohistani, a Hindu; and Punjab's Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora, a Sikh. Notably absent were any Christian delegates, despite Christians constituting a substantial minority in Pakistan.

In response, Christian organizations staged demonstrations in Lahore on May 18, expressing their dismay over the exclusion. Aslam Pervaiz Sahotra, chairman of the Masihi Millat Party, criticized the decision, questioning why Christian parliamentarians were overlooked for an event central to the Christian faith. Pastor Amjad Niamat, chairman of the Presbyterian Church's Ecumenism and Interfaith Harmony Commission, also condemned the move, emphasizing the missed opportunity for Christian leaders to represent their faith and nation on such a significant occasion.

The protests underscore ongoing concerns about the marginalization of religious minorities in Pakistan and highlight the community's call for more inclusive representation in national and international affairs.