- Pope Leo XIV stated that both Christians and Muslims “have been slaughtered” in Nigeria, addressing recent allegations of Christian genocide made by the US President.
- Speaking in a viral video, the Pope explained that while there is danger for Christians, the violence is not exclusively religious, but is driven by multiple factors, including terrorism, economics, and control over land.
- He urged the Nigerian government to take stronger action to protect all citizens and promote authentic religious freedom.
Pope Leo XIV, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has acknowledged that both Christians and Muslims “have been slaughtered” in Nigeria, linking the violence to a complex mix of extremist activities, economic factors, and land-related tensions.
The Pope made the comments in a viral video recorded during an interview on Tuesday in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, weeks after the US President alleged a Christian genocide was occurring in Nigeria.
Responding to a question on the safety of Christians in Nigeria, Pope Leo XIV stated:
“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 violence is driven by multiple factors, not just religious extremism:
“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.
Pope Leo XIV urged the Nigerian government to take stronger action to protect all citizens and promote religious freedom:
“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,” he said.
