Pope Leo XIV says that both Christians and Muslims are victims of widespread violence in Nigeria, linking the bloodshed to extremist groups as well as economic and land-related conflicts.

According to the Catholic News Agency, the Pope made statement in a video that went viral on Friday, recorded during an interview on Tuesday in Castel Gandolfo, Italy.

Responding to a question about whether Christians face genocide in Nigeria, the Pope 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.” He added that the insecurity is fuelled not just by terrorism but by economic pressures and competition for land. “There’s a question of terrorism. There’s a question that has to do a lot with economics, if you will, and control of the lands that they have,” he said.

Pope Leo XIV urged the Nigerian government to step up efforts to protect citizens, saying, “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.”