Pope calls for an end to persecution of Christians

Pope Francis

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis told the faithful in St. Peter’s Square that he was pained by the news of two terror attacks against churches in Pakistan and called for an end of persecution against Christians.

The pontiff said during his traditional Sunday prayer that the numerous dead and injured were persecuted “only because they are Christians.”

The pontiff spoke after suicide bombers exploded themselves near two churches in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore on Sunday as worshippers were gathered inside. At least 14 people were killed.

Francis said he was praying for the victims and their families and that he “implored God, the source of all good, the gift of peace…for that country, and that this persecution against Christians, that the world tries to hide, ends.”