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Pope Leo Prays |
Following the recent tragic killings in Benue State, Pope Leo has offered prayers for the victims and called for peace, justice, and security in Nigeria.
Before his Sunday Angelus prayer, the Pope expressed deep sorrow over the massacre, describing it as a horrific act of violence. According to reports, about 200 people—mostly internally displaced persons—were brutally killed during a night attack on rural communities in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area. The victims had been taking refuge at a local Catholic mission.
Pope Leo said, “A terrible massacre occurred on the night of June 13th to 14th in Yelwata, Benue State, where around 200 people were killed in a horrific manner. Most were displaced people being cared for by the Catholic mission there.”
He offered special prayers for Nigeria and expressed concern for the repeated attacks on rural Christian communities in Benue, urging that the cycle of violence be broken.
“I pray for the triumph of security, justice, and peace in Nigeria, a country deeply wounded by continuous violence. I especially remember the rural Christian communities in Benue who have suffered repeated attacks,” the Pope added.
He also extended his prayers to those suffering in ongoing conflicts around the world, including in Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, and the Middle East.
