Nigeria not safe country, Catholic bishops tell Pope Leo

Catholic bishops from Nigeria have raised concerns about security conditions in their country during a meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, describing widespread violence and instability affecting both clergy and civilians.

The discussions took place during the bishops’ “ad limina” visit to Rome, held between March 1 and 16. Such meetings are scheduled approximately every five years under canon law and require bishops to report on the state of their dioceses.

According to statements shared with EWTN News, the delegation said they used the private audience to expand on written reports previously submitted to the Vatican, focusing on insecurity, insurgent activity, and the challenges faced by church leaders operating in different regions of Nigeria.

Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso of Kaduna, recently elected head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, said the written submissions were supplemented with direct conversations about conditions on the ground.

Archbishop Adewale Martins of Lagos said the issue of violence against Christians was discussed prominently, adding that Pope Pope Leo XIV indicated he would explore ways to draw attention to the situation.

Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, also participated in the meeting. In remarks shared with Aleteia, he said insecurity affects people across religious lines. He emphasized that both Christians and Muslims are impacted and that the delegation spoke on behalf of Nigerians seeking stability and safety.

The bishops’ comments come amid ongoing international debate over claims of targeted violence against Christians in Nigeria, a characterization the Nigerian government has rejected.

The issue has also attracted attention in the United States. In 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern and later referenced military action against militant groups in the country, signaling continued foreign scrutiny of Nigeria’s security challenges.