VIDEO: POPE SAYS CHRISTIANS, MUSLIMS “HAVE BEEN SLAUGHTERED” IN NIGERIA, LINKS VIOLENCE TO EXTREMISM, ECONOMIC, LAND CONFLICTS
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
Pope Leo XIV has said that both Christians and Muslims are being killed in Nigeria, attributing the violence to extremist activities, economic pressures, and disputes over land ownership.
The Pope made the remarks in a viral video on Friday, recorded during an interview on Tuesday in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, according to the Catholic News Agency. His comments come amid growing international scrutiny of Nigeria’s worsening security situation.
Responding to a question on whether Christians are safe in Nigeria following growing 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 explained that the crisis was being fuelled by multiple factors, noting, “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.”
Calling for stronger intervention from the Nigerian authorities, Pope Leo XIV added, “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 remarks follow a recent controversy triggered by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who stated last month that Nigeria’s conflict was “not a religious conflict, but rather a social conflict… between herders and farmers.”
Parolin’s comments made during the launch of the 2025 Religious Freedom Report by Aid to the Church in Need were criticised by some groups who accused him of echoing “Nigerian government talking points.” He 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 mentioned Nigeria in a message highlighting global persecution of Christians. “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 posted on X.
The Pope’s comments come as U.S. President Donald Trump recently redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged Christian genocide a designation the Nigerian government has dismissed as false and misleading.
The United States House Subcommittee on Africa held a public hearing on the redesignation on Thursday, featuring testimony from lawmakers, religious leaders, State Department officials, and other witnesses, who presented sharply divergent views on the situation.
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