00:00Catholic Pope Leo XIV, speaking to crowds after Sunday's noonday prayer, has called for an end to ongoing violence in Nigeria.
00:08Gunmen killed three villagers and abducted 11 people Saturday, including a Catholic priest, while at least 170 were killed in Woro earlier in the week.
00:16I learned with sorrow and concern of the recent attacks against various communities in Nigeria, which have caused serious loss of life.
00:32I expressed my prayerful closeness to all victims of violence and terrorism.
00:38I hope that the authorities will continue to work with determination to ensure the safety and protection of every citizen.
00:52The recent uptick in violence has escalated fears that attacks by various armed groups and extremists is spreading, with Nigerians increasingly critical of government efforts to stop it.
01:03Let's continue to pray for peace.
01:09History teaches us that strategies based on economic and military power do not offer humanity a future.
01:16The future lies in respect and brotherhood among peoples.
01:22Nigeria is plagued by an interlinked security crisis.
01:25Armed gangs operate in swathes of the country, looting villages and kidnapping people for ransom.
01:30Jihadist groups are active in the north, while intercommunal violence is prevalent in the central states.
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