- Pope Leo XIV has responded to recent accusations of Christian genocide by the US president that Christians and Muslims “are being massacred” in Nigeria.
- The pope explained in a widely circulated video that while Christians face dangers, the violence is not just a religious issue but is driven by multiple factors, including terrorism, economics and control of land.
- He urged the Nigerian government to take stronger action to protect all citizens and promote true religious freedom.
Pope Leo XIV, leader of the Roman Catholic Church, acknowledged that both Christians and Muslims were “slaughtered” in Nigeria, linking the violence to complex factors including extremist activity, economic factors and land-related tensions.
The pope made the remarks in a viral video recorded during an interview in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, on Tuesday, weeks after the U.S. president claimed there was a genocide of Christians in Nigeria.
In response to a question about the safety of Christians in Nigeria, Pope Leo XIV said:
“I think there are definitely dangers for Christians in some parts of Nigeria, but for everyone. Christians and Muslims are being massacred.”
He explained that the violence is driven by a variety of factors, not just religious extremism:
“There is a terrorism problem. The problem has a lot to do with economics and control of the land that they own, if you will.” he added.
Pope Leo XIV urges 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 very important that governments work with people everywhere to find a way to promote true religious freedom,” he said.
