By Peter Dansu Pope Leo XIV has raised fresh concern over the rising wave of violence in Nigeria, saying both Christians and Muslims are su...
By Peter Dansu
Pope Leo XIV has raised fresh concern over the rising wave of violence in Nigeria, saying both Christians and Muslims are suffering heavy losses. He explained that the bloodshed is being fuelled not only by extremist groups but also by deep economic struggles and clashes over land.
The Pope spoke in a video that went viral on Friday, recorded during an interview earlier in the week at Castel Gandolfo in Italy. Responding to questions about the safety of Christians in Nigeria and claims of genocide, he said the danger affects everyone.
In his words, Nigeria faces real risks for believers across the divide. Christians and Muslims have been slaughtered, he said, stressing that terrorism, poverty and battles for land all contribute to the unrest.
He urged the Nigerian government to take stronger steps to protect citizens and uphold true religious freedom, noting that too many innocent people have already lost their lives.
His remarks come after a recent controversy involving Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who argued that Nigeria’s crisis is more of a social conflict between farmers and herders rather than a religious war. His comment drew criticism from groups who believed he was echoing government narratives. Parolin also pointed out that extremist groups attack Muslims as well, making no distinctions in their campaign of violence.
The Pope again mentioned Nigeria on Sunday while lamenting rising attacks on Christian communities around the world, listing Nigeria alongside Bangladesh, Mozambique and Sudan as places where believers are facing growing persecution.
The international spotlight has intensified further after U.S. President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged Christian genocide—a claim the Nigerian government has firmly rejected as misleading.
On Thursday, the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa held a heated hearing on the matter, with lawmakers, religious leaders and officials expressing sharply opposing views.
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