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Pope Leo XIV Warns Violence in Nigeria Hits ‘Christians and Muslims Alike’
Pope Leo XIV warns that both Christians and Muslims are victims of rising violence in Nigeria, linking the crisis to terrorism, economic pressures and land conflicts. His remarks follow renewed U.S. scrutiny of Nigeria’s religious-freedom record.
Pope Leo XIV has warned that both Christians and Muslims are suffering from escalating violence in Nigeria, attributing the unrest to terrorism, economic pressures and land-related conflicts.
In a video recorded during an interview in Castel Gandolfo, Italy — now circulating widely online — the Pope addressed Nigeria’s worsening security situation. When asked about the persecution of Christians, he stressed that the danger extends to all communities.
“In Nigeria, in certain areas, there is certainly danger for Christians but for all people. Christians and Muslims have been slaughtered. There’s a question of terrorism,” he said in the viral clip. “There’s a question that has to do a lot with economics, if you will, and control of the lands that they have.”
The Pope urged Nigerian authorities to strengthen protections for citizens. “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 added.
Pope Leo XIV has repeatedly drawn attention to global attacks on Christian communities. In a recent message 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 comments come amid renewed controversy following U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged Christian genocide — an accusation Nigeria’s Federal Government has rejected as false and misleading.
On Thursday, the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa held a hearing on the redesignation, featuring testimony from lawmakers, religious leaders, State Department officials, and other witnesses who presented sharply differing views.
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