Pope Leo XIV has warned that “Christians and Muslims have been slaughtered” in Nigeria, attributing the violence to extremism, economics, and land disputes while calling for stronger government action amid growing international scrutiny.
In a viral video recorded in Italy, Pope Leo XIV stated that both Christians and Muslims “have been slaughtered” in Nigeria, linking the nation’s worsening violence to “terrorism,” economic pressures, and land conflicts. He cautioned that “there is certainly a danger for Christians, but for all people,” and urged the Nigerian government to work with all communities to “promote authentic religious freedom.” His remarks follow controversy surrounding Cardinal Pietro Parolin’s earlier assertion that Nigeria’s crisis is “not a religious conflict, but rather a social conflict… between herders and farmers,” a view critics say echoes government narratives.
The Pope also referenced global persecution of Christians and mentioned Nigeria again in a separate message on X. His comments come as U.S. President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged Christian genocide — a claim rejected by the Federal Government — prompting a divided U.S. congressional hearing on the issue.