Pope prays for victims of Nigeria Church massacre

The incident that took place in the southwestern Ondo State after gunmen entered a Catholic Church before opening fire on the worshippers.

A Vatican statement said the Holy Father had learned of the deaths of dozens of people.

Officials have warned the number of casualties could rise, confirming also that a priest and other members of the congregation were abducted by the gunmen.

Nigeria's President, Muhammadu Buhari, has condemned the attack calling it "heinous".

A week ago, the head of the country's Methodist church was kidnapped; he was released after a ransom was paid.