In a powerful address from St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV mourns the recent round of deadly attacks in Nigeria. Speaking after the Sunday Angelus on February 8, 2026, the Pontiff condemned the violence that has claimed scores of lives in states like Kwara, Katsina, and Benue.
Pope Leo XIV specifically referenced the devastating “Woro massacre” in Kwara State, where reports indicate that over 160 people were killed by extremist militants.
The Pope shared his grief on social media and during his weekly address, stating, “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. I express my prayerful closeness to all the victims.” He directly urged Nigerian authorities to act with “determination” to ensure the safety and protection of every citizen, requesting urgent security reforms.
Beyond Nigeria, the Pope also used the occasion to pray for victims of severe flooding and landslides in Portugal, Morocco, Spain, and Italy, reminding the global community to remain “united and supportive.”
This message comes as Pope Leo XIV, born as Robert Francis Prevost, the first-ever American Pope, begins to fully establish his voice on the world stage. Having been elected in May 2025 following the passing of Pope Francis, he has made the protection of religious freedom and the fight against “religiously motivated violence” a central pillar of his papacy.
His latest statement coincides with the Nigerian government’s launch of Operation Savanna Shield, a military response aimed at curbing the spread of the “Lakurawa” militant group and other extremist elements in the North-Central and Northwest regions.
