BREAKING: Like Trump, Pope Leo XIV Raises Alarm Over Nigeria’s Escalating Violence
Pope Leo XIV has raised alarm over Nigeria’s escalating violence, warning that Christians “have been slaughtered” and calling on the government to take stronger action to protect citizens and promote religious freedom.
The Pope also highlighted that “Christians and Muslims have been slaughtered,” stressing that it is driven by both extremism and economic factors.
Speaking in a viral video on Friday, but recorded on Tuesday in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, he explained, “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.”
Pope Leo XIV called for stronger government action, adding, “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 remarks by 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.” Parolin also noted that extremist groups target Muslims, stating, “Many Muslims who come to Nigeria are victims of this intolerance… groups that make no distinctions to advance their goals.”
On Sunday, the Pope again referenced Nigeria while addressing global attacks on Christian communities, writing on X: “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 remarks come as U.S. President Donald Trump recently redesignated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged Christian genocide — a claim the Federal Government rejects. During a U.S. House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee hearing, lawmakers, religious leaders, and officials presented sharply divided views on the designation.
