VATICAN CITY — The world is seeking hide the persecution against Christians, Pope Francis said Sunday following the deadly blasts that hit two churches in a Christian neighborhood in Lahore, Pakistan.
The twin bombings — at one Catholic and one Protestant church — came as local Christians were were attending Sunday Mass and services. Fourteen people are reported dead and 78 wounded. The Pakistan Taliban splinter group, Jamatul Ahrar, has claimed responsibility for the attacks.
Addressing pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis said: “With sorrow, with great sorrow did I learn of today’s terrorist attacks against two churches in the city of Lahore in Pakistan, which have left many dead and wounded. They are Christian churches. Christians are being persecuted. Our brothers and sisters are shedding their blood only because they are Christians.”
He then said: “As I promise my prayers for the victims and their families, I ask the Lord, I implore the Lord, the source of every good, to grant the gift of peace and harmony to that country. May this persecution against Christians, which the world is seeking to hide, end and may there be peace.”
Diane Montagna is Rome correspondent for Aleteia’s English edition.
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