Pope Leo XIV expressed sadness at attacks on civilians in Nigeria

Published at: 08/02/2026 10:57 AM

This Sunday, Pope Leo XIV expressed his regret over the recent attacks by armed groups against civilians in Nigeria, leaving dozens dead, and urged action to protect the population.

The first authority of the Vatican referred to the complex situation in that African nation in his words spoken this afternoon after the Angelus prayer, from the window of his study in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, before thousands of faithful and pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square, according to a statement from the Holy See press office quoted by Prensa Latina.

“With pain and concern, I learned of the recent attacks against various communities in Nigeria, which have caused serious human losses,” the pope said from Rome, adding that “closeness and prayer to all the victims of violence and terrorism.”

“I hope that the competent authorities will continue to work with determination to ensure the safety and protection of the lives of all citizens,” he added.

According to a report published this Sunday on the website of the Vatican News newspaper, referring to that pronouncement of the Holy Father, he points out that in just a few days, two attacks in the Nigerian state of Benue caused the death of 30 people, and more than 50 were kidnapped in four villages in the south of the state of Kaduna.

Mazo News Team