Pope Leo XIV has stated that both Christians and Muslims “have been slaughtered” in Nigeria, attributing the violence to extremist attacks as well as economic and land-related tensions.
His comments come just weeks after the U.S. President claimed that a Christian genocide is taking place in the country.
The Pope’s remarks were captured in a video that went viral on Friday, taken from an interview conducted on Tuesday in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, according to the Catholic News Agency.
When asked whether Christians are safe in Nigeria amid ongoing 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 went on to explain that the crisis is driven by multiple factors.
“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 said.
The Pope also called on the Nigerian government to do more to safeguard its population.
“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 added.
