Pope Leo XIV stated that both Christians and Muslims have been “slaughtered” in Nigeria, attributing the violence to extremist groups as well as economic and land-related conflicts.
His comments come amidst increasing international scrutiny of Nigeria’s security situation.
The Pope’s remarks were made during a video interview that went viral on Friday, which was recorded on Tuesday in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, according to the Catholic News Agency.
When asked about the safety of Christians in Nigeria amid allegations of genocide, the Pope responded, “I think in Nigeria, in certain areas, there is certainly a danger for Christians, but for all people. Christians and Muslims have been slaughtered.”
He emphasised that the violence is driven by both extremism and economic factors.
“There’s a question of terrorism. There’s a question that has to do a lot with economics, if you will, and control of the lands that they have,” he added.
Pope Leo XIV further called for stronger action from the Nigerian government, saying, “Unfortunately, many Christians have died, and I think it’s important to seek a way for the government, with all peoples, to promote authentic religious freedom.”
His comments follow a previous controversy, as reported by the Catholic News Agency, involving Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State. Last month, he stated that the violence in Nigeria is “not a religious conflict, but rather a social conflict… between herders and farmers.”
Parolin’s statements, delivered during the launch of the 2025 Religious Freedom Report by Aid to the Church in Need, faced criticism from various groups that accused him of reinforcing “Nigerian government talking points.”
Additionally, Parolin highlighted that extremist groups also target Muslims, remarking, “Many Muslims who come to Nigeria are victims of this intolerance… groups that make no distinctions to advance their goals.”
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