Catholic Pope Leo XIV, speaking to crowds in St Peter’s Square after Sunday’s noonday prayer, called for an end to the ongoing violence in Nigeria following deadly attacks earlier in the week.
Saturday’s attack, in which gunmen killed three villagers and abducted 11 people, including a Catholic priest, highlights just one episode in a wave of recent violence. Earlier in the week, at least 170 people were killed in Woro.
Further underscoring the instability, Kaduna’s Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan reported that men had attacked the priest’s residence in the Kauru local government area of Kaduna state during the afternoon.
“It is with sorrow and concern that I learned of the recent attacks against various communities in Nigeria leading to a heavy loss of life,” the Pope said.
“I express my prayerful closeness to all victims of violence and terrorism. I hope that the authorities will continue to work with determination to ensure the safety and protection of every citizen.”
The recent uptick in violence has escalated fears that attacks by various armed groups and extremists are spreading, with Nigerians increasingly critical of government efforts to stop them.
This attack adds to a cycle of violence that has brought immense suffering and uncertainty to people in the conflict-battered north of the country.
Incidents like these are not isolated. More than 150 Christians were abducted from three churches in another part of Kaduna in January, a terrifying ordeal that only ended this week when they were released, bringing relief to many worried families.
Finally, the Pope called on the faithful to continue praying for peace.
“History teaches us that strategies based on economic and military power offer no future for humanity. The future lies in respect and brotherhood among peoples,” he said.
