Pope Leo XIV has stated that both Christians and Muslims are victims of Nigeria’s growing wave of violence, linking the crisis to terrorism, economic pressures, and long-standing disputes over land.
His comments, captured in an interview recorded on Tuesday in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, gained widespread attention on Friday as the video circulated online.
When asked whether Christians were facing genocide in Nigeria, the Pope acknowledged the serious danger but stressed that the violence cuts across religious lines. He 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 added that the insecurity was driven not only by extremist groups but by economic struggles and battles over land ownership. “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 urged the Nigerian authorities to intensify efforts to safeguard all citizens, noting that countless Christian lives have been lost. “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,” he said.
The Pope has recently highlighted global attacks on Christian populations. In a message shared on X, he wrote, “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 latest comments come amid renewed international debate following President Donald Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over allegations of Christian genocide—a claim the Nigerian government has firmly rejected as false.
On Thursday, the US House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa convened a hearing on the CPC redesignation. Lawmakers, religious leaders, State Department officials and witnesses presented opposing perspectives on the situation, further underscoring the tension surrounding Nigeria’s security challenges.
What You Should Know
Pope Leo XIV’s remarks highlight the complexity of Nigeria’s security crisis, which affects both Christians and Muslims and stems from terrorism, economic hardship, and land-related conflicts.
His call for stronger protection comes as international scrutiny intensifies following the US decision to redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern.”
