Pope Leo XIV has said that both Christians and Muslims are being “slaughtered” in Nigeria, attributing the widespread violence to extremist groups as well as deep-rooted economic and land-related disputes.
His remarks, made during a video interview recorded on Tuesday in Castel Gandolfo and released online on Friday, come amid heightened international attention on Nigeria’s worsening security situation.
In the interview, which has since gone viral, the Pope was asked about the safety of Christians in Nigeria following renewed 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 said the violence was driven not only by extremism but also by competition over land and economic pressures.
“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 called for the Nigerian government to take stronger measures to protect all communities.
“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.
His comments follow a recent controversy involving Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State.
Speaking last month during the launch of the 2025 Religious Freedom Report by Aid to the Church in Need, Parolin said the violence in Nigeria was “not a religious conflict, but rather a social conflict… between herders and farmers.”
The comments drew criticism from several groups who accused him of echoing “Nigerian government talking points.”
Parolin also stressed that extremist groups target Muslims as well, saying: “Many Muslims who come to Nigeria are victims of this intolerance… groups that make no distinctions to advance their goals.”
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