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Pope Leo warns of increasing ‘globalisation of indifference’ amid killings in Nigeria, Middle East

Published

7 months ago

April 5, 2026

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Pope Leo XIV has warned of a growing ‘globalisation of indifference’ in the face of persistent killings and conflicts across the world.

Delivering his Easter Sunday “Urbi et Orbi” blessing to the pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square, Pope Leo lamented that the international community was becoming dangerously desensitised to human suffering with the “growing accustomed to violence.”

“We are growing accustomed to violence, resigning ourselves to it, and becoming indifferent. Indifferent to the deaths of thousands of people.

“Indifferent to the repercussions of hatred and division that conflicts sow. Indifferent to the economic and social consequences they produce, which we all feel,” he said.

Borrowing a phrase from the late Pope Francis, Pope Leo added, “There is an ever-increasing “globalization of indifference,”

He explained that the late Pope Francis reminded the world of “What a great thirst for death, for killing, we witness each day in the many conflicts raging in different parts of the world!.”

According to him, the Easter message, which marks the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, centres on hope, peace, and the triumph of life over death.

Pope Leo stressed that Christ’s resurrection represents a victory achieved not through violence, but through love, sacrifice, and forgiveness.

Referencing the worsening state of global conflicts, the Pope cautioned that indifference has become widespread, echoing concerns previously raised by Pope Francis about a world increasingly tolerant of bloodshed.

He called on world leaders to abandon war and embrace dialogue, insisting that true peace cannot be imposed by force.

“In the light of Easter, let us allow ourselves to be amazed by Christ! Let us allow our hearts to be transformed by his immense love for us! Let those who have weapons lay them down! Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace! Not a peace imposed by force, but through dialogue! Not with the desire to dominate others, but to encounter them!,” he added.

The pontiff also urged individuals and nations to confront the moral consequences of violence, warning against turning away from the reality of death and suffering.

Pope Leo announced a global prayer vigil for peace on April 11 at Saint Peter’s Basilica, inviting people of all faiths to join in seeking an end to wars and divisions.

He advised the faithful to embrace the message of Easter by rejecting hatred and opening their hearts to reconciliation, noting that lasting peace begins with inner transformation.

The Pope’s message came amid the U.S. Israel-Iran war and killings in Nigeria’s North East and North Central, including the recent murder of over 20 residents of Gari Ya Waye community in the Jos North area of Plateau State by terrorists.

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Those criticising APC on insecurity did nothing for 20 years – Yari

Published

1 hour ago

November 14, 2026

PlateauReports

The Director-General of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council, APC-PCC, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, has criticised those accusing the ruling party of failing to address insecurity, saying they did nothing to tackle the problem for over 20 years.

Yari made the remarks on Saturday during the APC presidential rally in Jos, Plateau State, while defending the administration of President Bola Tinubu against criticisms over its handling of insecurity.

“Those who are saying we don’t have a plan for security, I want to remind them that they did nothing about insecurity for over 20 years because it started during their time,” Yari said

The former governor of Zamfara State assured Nigerians that the APC would implement its manifesto, adding that the party expected to achieve almost all its promises by 2031.

Yari also expressed confidence in the APC’s chances in Plateau State ahead of the 2027 general election.

He said political leaders and influential figures in the state had assured President Tinubu of their support.

Yari further praised Tinubu’s leadership, particularly over the increase in revenue accruing to the Federation Account.

He recalled that the President inherited a federation account balance of N732 billion in June 2023, but said the figure had since risen to trillions of naira.

News

2027: We won't endorse any politician, political party – Yoruba Imams, Alfas

Published

1 hour ago

November 14, 2026

PlateauReports

The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland has declared that it would not endorse any politician or political party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Chairman, Board of Trustees of the League, Sheikh Muhammad Habibullah Adam Abdullahi El-Ilory, made this declaration at the opening of a three-day conference organised by the League for Imams, Alfas, political office holders and traditional rulers.

The event, which took place in Ibadan on Saturday, was attended by Governor Seyi Makinde, President of the League, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere, Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulganiy Abubakar, Alfa Agba of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulbari Adetunji, Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Sheikh AbdulRasaq AbdulAzeez Ishola, Secretary General of the League, Sheikh Mustapha Oseni Adewale Hamzat and Chairman, Oyo State Pilgrim Welfare Board (Muslim Wing) Sheikh Hashim Atere and Professor Kamil Olosho.

Others are Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Daud Akinola, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, gubernatorial candidate in Oyo State, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Afolabi Olaoye, Onigbeti of Igbeti, Oba Bashir Abioye, Professor Amidu Sanni, Professor Adam Surajudeen and Iyalode Adini of Yorubaland, Alhaja Sedeekat Aderibigbe, alongside other notable Islamic clerics, scholars and Muslims from Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti, Lagos and Ondo states.

Abdullahi El-Ilory while speaking on behalf of the League, explained that the group cannot declare support or announce any politician or political party as its choice for the forthcoming general elections.

He explained that the only thing the League can do and is still doing is to pray to God to give Nigerians credible leaders that will make life more meaningful for the citizens.

Abdullahi El-Ilory said, "We are religious leaders, we are not politicians, but we are the fathers of politicians. We will not declare support for any political party or politicians.

"We the league of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland cannot declare support or announce our support for any politician or political party. We can only pray to God for Him to give us credible leaders."

Makinde, while addressing the gathering, urged Nigerians to see themselves as one.

He advised Muslim clerics not to allow people to use religion to cause confusion in the forthcoming general elections.

Kewulere, in his contribution, noted that the focus of clerics should be to guide the people and preach the religion of Islam.

He said, "We are not politicians. An Imam is not supposed to be involved in politics. Our focus should be to guide people and preach the religion of Islam in line with the Islamic principles."

Ishola, on his part, explained that the programme was organised in order to ensure unity and cooperation among Muslims in Yorubaland before, during and after the general elections.

2027: We won’t endorse any politician, political party – Yoruba Imams, Alfas