Pope Leo XIV prays for victims of attacks in Nigeria

Pope Leo XIV expressed sorrow and prayerful closeness for victims of recent violent attacks in Nigeria on Sunday, calling on authorities to ensure the protection of every citizen.

Speaking after the Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square on Feb. 8, the pope said: “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 of violence and terrorism.”

According to reports cited by the Vatican agency Fides, armed groups had carried out a series of attacks in recent days in several Nigerian states, including Kaduna and Niger. The assaults included killings, kidnappings, the burning of police stations, attacks on churches and diocesan structures, and the vandalism of a Catholic clinic, forcing many residents to flee. Among those kidnapped was Father Nathaniel Asuwaye, parish priest of Holy Trinity Parish in Karku. The Diocese of Kafanchan confirmed the abduction and entrusted the captives “to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary for their safe return.”

Earlier, in his reflection before the Angelus, Pope Leo XIV focused on the Gospel passage in which Jesus called his disciples “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world,” linking it to the theme of authentic Christian joy.

“Indeed, it is genuine joy that gives flavor to life and brings to light something that was not there before,” the pope said. “This joy springs from a way of life, a way of inhabiting the earth and of living together that must be desired and chosen. It is the life that shines in Jesus, the new flavor of his words and deeds.”

After encountering Christ, he explained, “those who would distance themselves from all this seem bland and dull,” referring to Jesus’ poverty of spirit, meekness and simplicity of heart, and hunger and thirst for justice that unlock mercy and peace as forces of transformation and reconciliation.

Acknowledging human frailty, Pope Leo XIV said: “Indeed, it is painful to lose flavor and give up joy; yet it is possible to have this wound in one’s heart.” Yet Jesus, he noted, warned believers not to surrender to discouragement, reminding them that God never discards anyone. “Every wound, even the deepest, will be healed by welcoming the word of the Beatitudes and setting us back on the path of the Gospel.”

The pope emphasized that concrete acts of charity and attention to others rekindled joy, while remaining rooted in the Eucharist. The “true flavor,” he said, was found “every Sunday in the Bread that is broken, which is a life given and a silent love.”

After the Angelus, Pope Leo XIV also recalled the beatification of Father Salvatore Valera Parra in Huércal-Overa, Spain, praising him as “a parish priest completely devoted to his people, humble and generous in pastoral charity.” His example, the pope said, could inspire today’s priests “to be faithful in living each day with simplicity and asceticism.”

Marking the memorial of St. Josephine Bakhita, the pope noted that the Church also celebrated 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,” he said. “Together with them, I say: Peace begins with dignity!”

Pope Leo XIV also assured prayers for communities affected by floods and landslides in Portugal, Morocco, Spain — especially Grazalema in Andalusia — and southern Italy, particularly Niscemi in Sicily, encouraging them to remain united and supportive under the protection of the Virgin Mary.

Concluding his remarks, the pope urged continued prayer 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.”

This story was first published in two parts by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.