Violence in Nigeria targets both Christians and Muslims says Pope Leo XIV

Violence in Nigeria targets both Christians and Muslims says Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV has drawn attention to the widespread violence affecting both Christians and Muslims in Nigeria, attributing the unrest to extremist groups as well as economic and land-related disputes.

In a video-recorded interview at Castel Gandolfo, Italy, which has since gone viral, the Pope addressed concerns over whether Christians are facing genocide in the country. 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 explained that the insecurity is driven not only by terrorism but also by economic pressures and competition for land. “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,” the pontiff added.

Pope Leo XIV also called on the Nigerian government to intensify efforts to safeguard its citizens, stating, “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.”

The Pope has previously referenced Nigeria in messages 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 comments come amid renewed international focus on Nigeria after U.S. President Donald Trump recently redesignated the country as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged Christian genocide—a claim the Nigerian government has rejected as false and misleading.

The issue was debated during a Thursday hearing of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, where lawmakers, religious leaders, and State Department officials presented sharply divided views on the matter.