Pope Leo XIV on Sunday expressed sorrow and prayerful closeness for victims of recent gruesome attacks in Nigeria, 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.
Recall that, gunmen suspected to be bandits recently carried out a series of attacks on several Nigerian states, including Kaduna and Niger.
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.”
Many citizens were forced to leave as a result of the attacks, which included murders, kidnappings, police station burnings, attacks on churches and diocesan buildings, and vandalism of a Catholic clinic.
Father Nathaniel Asuwaye, the parish priest of Holy Trinity Parish in Karku, was one among the people abducted.
The abduction was verified by the Diocese of Kafanchan, which also pledged the prisoners “to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary for their safe return.”
Pope Leo XIV underlined that while being anchored in the Eucharist, tangible deeds of kindness and consideration for others reignited pleasure. He claimed that “every Sunday in the Bread that is broken, which is a life given and a silent love,” one may find the “true flavour.”
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