Pope Leo on Sunday offered prayers for the victims of what he called a “terrible massacre” in Benue State, Nigeria, where more than 200 people were reportedly killed in a brutal attack on Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area.
During his Sunday Angelus at St. Peter’s Square, the Pope expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, noting that many of those killed were internally displaced persons (IDPs) who had taken refuge at a local Catholic mission.
“I am praying for security, justice, and peace in Nigeria,” Pope Leo said.
“In a special way, I am thinking of the rural Christian communities of Benue State, who have been relentless victims of violence.”