Pope refutes ‘Christian Genocide’ narrative, says Nigeria’s violence is not religious
Story by Susan Mbamah
Pope Leo XIV has rejected claims that Nigeria is experiencing a Christian genocide, stressing that the country’s security crisis affects people of all faiths, including Christians, Muslims, and other communities across multiple regions.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday as he left his Castel Gandolfo residence in the Vatican, the Pope responded to a question from EWTN News concerning rising Western fears over the safety of Christians in Nigeria.
He clarified that Nigeria’s insecurity is rooted in terrorism, economic pressures, and longstanding disputes over land and resources, not an organized campaign targeting Christians.
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“In Nigeria, in certain areas, there is certainly danger for Christians, but for all people. Christians and Muslims have been slaughtered,” he said.
He emphasized that extremist attacks have claimed lives across multiple religious groups, and reducing the crisis to a religious war is misleading.
“There’s a question of terrorism. There’s a question that has to do with economics, if you will, and the control of lands,” he added.
“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.”
READ ALSO: NSA Ribadu, others meet US lawmaker Moore over Christian genocide claims in Nigeria
The Pope’s remarks come amid renewed global focus following U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over allegations of religious persecution — a move driven by claims from some Western groups that Nigerian Christians are facing genocide.
Nigeria’s government has strongly rejected that characterization, arguing that such narratives distort the reality of a conflict where both Christians and Muslims have suffered heavy casualties.
The Vatican’s view mirrors statements made last month by its Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who said Nigeria’s conflicts are largely driven by socio-economic tensions, including clashes between farmers and herders, rather than religious hatred.
Meanwhile, Nigeria has intensified diplomatic engagement to counter the CPC designation. On Wednesday, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu led a high-level delegation to Washington, D.C., to present Nigeria’s case directly to U.S. authorities.
The team met with Congressman Riley Moore, appointed by President Trump to investigate allegations of Christian persecution and provide a report to the White House.
Moore described the discussion as “frank, honest, and productive,” noting that Nigerian officials presented detailed briefings outlining the roots of the violence and ongoing government responses.
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