Pope Leo XIV has said that both Christians and Muslims “have been slaughtered” in Nigeria, linking the violence to extremist groups, economic and land-related conflicts.
His comments come as international scrutiny over Nigeria’s security situation intensifies.
The Pope made the remarks in a video that went viral on Friday, recorded during an interview on Tuesday in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, according to the Catholic News Agency.
When asked 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 added 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 earlier controversy as reported by Catholic News Agency involving Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who said last month that Nigeria’s violence was “not a religious conflict, but rather a social conflict… between herders and farmers.”
Parolin’s remarks, delivered during the launch of the 2025 Religious Freedom Report by Aid to the Church in Need, drew criticism from groups who accused him of echoing “Nigerian government talking points.”
Parolin further noted that extremist groups also 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, It was reported that Pope Leo XIV again referenced Nigeria in a message highlighting 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 remarks come as U.S. President Donald Trump recently redesignated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged Christian genocide — a claim the Federal Government has rejected 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 witnesses presented sharply divided views.
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