Pope Leo XIV has expressed sorrow over the recent massacre in Benue State, Nigeria, where approximately 200 people were reportedly killed during an overnight attack on June 13–14.
Speaking during his Angelus address from the Vatican on Sunday, the pontiff offered prayers for the victims, most of whom were internally displaced persons (IDPs) staying at a Catholic mission in Yelwata, located in Guma Local Government Area.
The Pope described the attack as “a terrible massacre” marked by “extreme cruelty.” He stated:
“On the night of the 13th/14th June, in the town of Yelwata in the Guma Local Government Area in Benue State in Nigeria.”
“A terrible massacre occurred in which around 200 people were killed with extreme cruelty. Most of whom were internally displaced persons hosted by the local catholic mission.”
Expressing solidarity with the people of Nigeria, the Pope underscored the vulnerability of rural Christian communities in Benue and called for lasting peace and justice.
“I pray that security, justice, and peace will prevail in Nigeria, a beloved country so affected by various forms of violence.
And I pray in a special way for the rural Christian communities in Benue State, who have been unceasingly the victims of violence.”
Beyond Nigeria, Pope Leo also extended his prayers to other regions gripped by conflict, including Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, and the Middle East, urging global attention and compassion.
