Crystal Dike
A video of Pope Leo XIV speaking on Nigeria’s worsening security crisis went viral on Friday, with the pontiff warning that both Christians and Muslims “have been slaughtered” in parts of the country and calling for urgent government action to halt the violence.
Pope Leo XIV made the remarks during an interview recorded on Tuesday in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, according to the Catholic News Agency.
When asked whether Christians are safe in Nigeria amid allegations of genocide, Pope Leo XIV 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 killings stem from a mix of terrorism, economic pressures and land-related conflicts. “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.
The Pope urged the Nigerian government to intensify efforts to secure the country, 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 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.”
The remarks, made during the launch of the 2025 Religious Freedom Report by Aid to the Church in Need, drew criticism from groups accusing him of echoing “Nigerian government talking points.” Parolin also stressed that extremist groups attack Muslims as well, saying, “Many Muslims who come to Nigeria are victims of this intolerance… groups that make no distinctions to advance their goals.”
On Sunday, local media reported that Pope Leo XIV again mentioned 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 latest remarks come as U.S. President Donald Trump recently redesignated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” — a move driven by allegations of Christian genocide, which the Federal Government has rejected as false and misleading.
In conclusion, Pope Leo XIV’s repeated references to Nigeria in recent weeks have intensified international attention on the country’s security crisis, reinforcing calls for stronger action to protect all citizens.