Pope Leo XIV Addresses Allegations of Genocide Against Christians in Nigeria: A Closer Look at His Statements

-Daily Trust

Pope Leo XIV, the leader of the Catholic Church, has dismissed allegations that Christians are experiencing genocide in Nigeria, highlighting that the violence in the country impacts Christians, Muslims, and other communities equally. He made these comments while speaking to reporters as he departed from his Castel Gandolfo residence in The Vatican. "In Nigeria, in some regions, there is indeed a threat to Christians, but it affects everyone. Both Christians and Muslims have been killed," he stated in response to a question from EWTN News. "There is an issue of terrorism. There are economic factors involved, as well as control over the land. Sadly, many Christians have lost their lives, and it is crucial to find a way for the government, alongside all communities, to foster genuine religious freedom." Daily Trust reports that the Pope’s comments regarding genocide follow President Donald Trump’s recent decision to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern due to alleged violations of religious freedom.

The Nigerian government has denied claims that Christians are being specifically targeted in attacks. Officials stated that framing the crisis as an assault on one religion misrepresents the actual situation. Daily Trust also reports that Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, described the violence in Nigeria last month as a social conflict, often between herders and farmers, rather than a religious war. He made these statements during the unveiling of the 2025 Religious Freedom Report by Aid to the Church in Need. On Wednesday, Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, led a high-level delegation to the United States regarding the allegations of Christian persecution in Nigeria.

Among those the Nigerian delegation met was Congressman Riley Moore, who was assigned by Trump to investigate the alleged persecution and report back. Ribadu’s team took the opportunity to explain the situation in the country to Moore, who remarked that the discussion was candid, straightforward, and productive. Photo Credit: Pope Leo XIV