Pope Leo has offered prayers for the victims of a devastating massacre in Benue State, where more than 200 people were reportedly killed in attacks on rural communities.
The Pope described the violence as “particularly devastating,” noting that most of the victims were internally displaced persons sheltered by a local Catholic mission at Yelewata in the Guma Local Government Area.
Delivering his remarks just before the Sunday Angelus prayer, the Pope expressed deep concerns for Nigeria, praying for peace and security in the country.
He highlighted the vulnerability of rural Christian communities in Benue, saying, “I pray that security, justice, and peace will prevail in Nigeria, a beloved country so affected by various forms of violence.”
The Pope also remembered victims of ongoing conflicts in Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, and the Middle East during the Angelus address, emphasizing the need for global peace and security.
“And I pray in a special way for the rural Christian communities in Benue State, who have been unceasingly the victims of violence,” he added.
