Pope Leo XIV says both Christians and Muslims “have been slaughtered” in Nigeria, attributing the violence to extremist groups, economic tensions and land-related conflicts.
Pope Leo XIV made the remarks in a video that went viral on Friday, recorded during an interview on Tuesday in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, as reported by the Catholic News Agency. His comments come amid growing international attention on Nigeria’s worsening security situation.
Responding to a question on whether Christians are safe in Nigeria amid allegations of genocide, the Pope said: “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 explained that the violence stems from both terrorism and economic disputes.
“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 said.
Pope Leo XIV also urged the Nigerian government to take stronger action, stating: “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 remarks follow earlier controversy involving Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who recently said Nigeria’s violence was “not a religious conflict, but rather a social conflict… between herders and farmers.”
Parolin’s comments, delivered during the launch of the 2025 Religious Freedom Report by Aid to the Church in Need, were criticised by groups who accused him of repeating “Nigerian government talking points.”
Parolin also noted that extremist groups frequently target Muslims, saying: “Many Muslims who come to Nigeria are victims of this intolerance… groups that make no distinctions to advance their goals.”
On Sunday, Verified Source reported that Pope Leo XIV again mentioned Nigeria in a message addressing global attacks on Christian communities.
“In various parts of the world, Christians suffer discrimination and persecution… I think especially of Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mozambique, Sudan… God desires peace among all His children!” he wrote on X.
His latest comments coincide with U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent redesignation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged Christian genocide, a claim the Nigerian government has dismissed as false and misleading.
The U.S. House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa held a hearing on the redesignation on Thursday, where lawmakers, religious leaders, State Department officials, and other witnesses presented sharply conflicting views.
