Nigeria's northern states have been enmeshed in sectarian violence masterminded largely by the Boko Haram Islamic sect. Christians have engaged in retaliatory violence, continuing a cycle of attacks that began in 1999.

Boko Haram has attacked churches in several cities, including Kano and Jos. A separate attack targeted Sokoto, the seat of the spiritual head of Nigeria's Islamic community. Two foreign nationals who had been held captive for 10 months -- one from Britain and one from Italy -- were killed by al-Qaida-inspired kidnappers in Sokoto March 8 during an attempt by Nigerian and British security forces to free them.

Cardinal Tauran said human relationships must be based on love and shared understanding regardless of ethnic or religious differences.

"If anybody professes a religion other than my own, I think I should be able to understand and appreciate his religion and he, in turn, should be able to appreciate and understand me and what my religion represents," Cardinal Tauran said.

He added that no religion encourages killing or violence.

Cardinal Tauran was in the midst of a 10-day visit to Nigeria and was expected to join a roundtable discussion on interreligious matters at the Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Conference Center in Abuja March 27.