The head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, has said that both Christians and Muslims have been “slaughtered” in Nigeria, attributing the violence to extremist attacks, economic pressures, and conflicts over land. His comments come weeks after the U.S. President claimed that Christians in Nigeria are facing genocide.
The Pope made the remarks in a video that went viral on Friday, taken from an interview recorded on Tuesday in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, as reported by the Catholic News Agency.
When asked whether Christians are safe in Nigeria amid recent allegations of genocide, he responded: “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 further explained that the crisis stems from several factors: “There is the issue of terrorism. There are also significant economic elements and struggles for control of land.”
Pope Leo XIV called on the Nigerian government to do more to safeguard its citizens. “Tragically, many Christians have died, and I believe it is crucial for the government, together with all communities, to pursue genuine religious freedom,” he said.
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