Violence in Nigeria claiming both Christian, Muslim lives – Pope

Pope Leo XIV has expressed concern that Nigerians of both Christian and Muslim faiths “have been slaughtered” amid ongoing crises tied to extremist attacks, economic pressures and land-related disputes.

The Pope’s remarks come at a time when global attention on Nigeria’s security challenges continues to grow. His comments were delivered in a video recorded during an interview on Tuesday in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, and circulated widely online on Friday, according to the Catholic News Agency.

Responding to a question on whether Christians face genocide in Nigeria, 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 situation is fuelled by multiple 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 also pressed the Nigerian authorities to take firmer action, noting, “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 latest comments follow an earlier controversy involving Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. Last month, Parolin described Nigeria’s unrest as “not a religious conflict, but rather a social conflict… between herders and farmers,” a stance that attracted criticism from groups accusing him of echoing “Nigerian government talking points.”

Parolin also stressed that extremist violence affects Muslims as well. “Many Muslims who come to Nigeria are victims of this intolerance… groups that make no distinctions to advance their goals,” he said.

On Sunday, the Pope again referenced Nigeria while highlighting global attacks on Christian communities, writing on X: “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!”

His remarks coincide with renewed debate in the United States, where President Donald Trump recently redesignated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” over claims of Christian genocide — allegations the Federal Government has dismissed as inaccurate.

U.S. lawmakers, religious leaders and witnesses presented sharply divergent positions on the redesignation during a hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa on Thursday.