Pope Leo wades into Nigerian religious debate saying violence affects people of every faith

POPE Leo XIV has waded into the ongoing debate about the persecution of Christians by debunking the myth that they are being particularly targeted by terrorists pointing out that the widespread violence in the country affects adherents of all faiths.

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump declared that Nigerian Christians were being persecuted and called for the redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). He further added that he may consider sending the US military into Nigeria to resolve the problem.

Yesterday, the US House of Representatives sub-committee on Africa held a public hearing to see if there is any truth to the fact that there is religious persecution of Christians in Nigeria.  They will them  make recommendations to the US Senate and if they agree with the CPC designation, it would allow Washington to impose sanctions on Nigerian officials found complicit in religious persecution and limit certain forms of bilateral assistance.

So far, the debate is still ongoing but adding his voice to the debate, the pope said that both Christians and Muslims are victims of widespread violence in Nigeria. In his remarks, captured in a video recorded during an interview in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, he pointed out that the bloodshed was carried out by extremist groups and there are also cases of economic and land-related conflicts.

Pope Leo said: “I think in Nigeria, in certain areas, there is certainly a danger for Christians but for all people. Christians and Muslims have been slaughtered. There’s a question of terrorism. There’s also a question that has to do a lot with economics, if you will and control of the lands that they have.

 “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. In various parts of the world, Christians suffer discrimination and persecution. I think especially of Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mozambique and Sudan.  God desires peace among all His children."