Pope Leo XIV claimed that both Christians and Muslims have been “massacred” in Nigeria, attributing the violence to extremist groups as well as economic and land conflicts.
His comments come amid increasing international scrutiny over Nigeria’s security situation.
The pope’s comments were made during a video interview that went viral on Friday and was recorded Tuesday in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, according to the Catholic News Agency.
When asked about the safety of Christians in Nigeria amid accusations of genocide, the Pope responded: “I think that in Nigeria, in certain areas, there is certainly a danger for Christians, but for all people. Christians and Muslims have been massacred.”
He highlighted that violence is driven by both extremism and economic factors.
“There is an issue of terrorism. There is an issue that has a lot to do with the economy, so to speak, and the control of the lands they have,” he added.
Pope Leo
His comments follow an earlier controversy, as reported by the Catholic News Agency, involving Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State. Last month, he stated that the violence in Nigeria “is not a religious conflict, but rather a social conflict… between herdsmen and farmers.”
Parolin’s remarks, delivered during the launch of Aid to the Church in Need’s 2025 Religious Freedom Report, faced criticism from several groups who accused him of reinforcing the “Nigerian government’s talking points.”
Furthermore, Parolin highlighted that extremist groups also attack Muslims, commenting: “Many Muslims who come to Nigeria are victims of this intolerance…groups that make no distinctions to promote their objectives.”
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