The Pope’s statements were made a few weeks after the US President declared that Nigeria was experiencing a Christian genocide.
According to the Catholic News Agency, the Pope made the remarks in a video that went viral on Friday. The footage was taken during an interview on Tuesday at Castel Gandolfo, Italy.
In response to a query on the safety of Christians in Nigeria given the recent claims of genocide, he 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 clarified that there are other factors contributing to the violence.
“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
Additionally, Pope Leo XIV called on the Nigerian government to act more forcefully to safeguard all of its residents.
“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.
