Pope Leo XIV has again appealed for prayers for Nigeria, which has recently suffered another spate of deadly attacks.
On the evening of 3 February, at least 160 people were killed in the village of Woro, in the country’s central-west region. At least 51 people have also been abducted and six killed over the past three days during attacks on four different villages in Kaduna State.
According to Nigerian security sources cited by AFP, the attacks took place in the southern part of Kaduna State, a predominantly Christian area, where more than 180 people were abducted in January before being released in the past few days.
Armed men abducted 11 people, including a priest, and killed three others in the Kajuru local government area. The Catholic Archdiocese of Kafanchan confirmed the abduction of a priest, Father Nathaniel Asuwaye, parish priest of Holy Trinity Church in Karku, in the Kajuru area. According to a statement from the archdiocese, the attack occurred around 3 a.m. on Saturday morning at his residence and also resulted in the deaths of three people, in what witnesses described as “an invasion by a group of terrorists.”
"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, speaking on Sunday after reciting the noonday Angelus..
"I express my prayerful closeness to all the victims of violence and terrorism," the Pope added. "I likewise hope that the competent Authorities will continue to work with determination to ensure the safety and protection of the life of every citizen."
He continued to say: Today, the memorial of Saint Josephine Bakhita, we celebrate the World Day of Prayer and Reflection Against Human Trafficking. I thank the religious and all those who are committed to combating and eliminating current forms of slavery. Together with them, I say: peace begins with dignity!
I offer the assurance of my prayers to the people of Portugal, Morocco, Spain — especially Grazalema in Andalusia — and southern Italy, particularly Niscemi in Sicily, who have been affected by floods and landslides. I encourage the communities to remain united and supportive, with the maternal protection of the Virgin Mary.
Now, I welcome all of you: Romans, and pilgrims from Italy and various countries. I greet the faithful from Melilla, Murcia and Malaga, Spain; those from Belarus, Lithuania and Latvia; the students from Olivenza, Spain, and those preparing for Confirmation in Malta. I also greet the young people connected to us from three oratories in the Diocese of Brescia.
Let us continue to pray for peace. History teaches us that strategies of economic and military power do not give humanity a future. The future lies in respect and fraternity among peoples.
I wish all of you a happy Sunday.
Source: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-02/pope-angelus-appeals-nigeria-floods.html
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