The Pope denounced violent attacks at Christmas, telling worshippers that the "Earth is stained with blood" as he made his Angelus address at the Vatican.
At least 38 people were killed in Nigeria and six wounded in the Philippines in attacks targeting churches and Christmas shoppers.
The Pope told pilgrims on Sunday that he was saddened by attacks on Christians and by a suicide attack in Peshawar, Pakistan, that claimed 40 lives. "I want to express my heartfelt sorrow for the victims of these absurd acts of violence and repeat an appeal to abandon the path of hate and seek instead peaceful solutions to conflicts," he said. "The Earth is once again stained with blood."
In one of two Christmas Eve attacks in Nigeria, dozens of armed men dragged a pastor out of his home in Maiduguri and shot him dead. Two male choir members were also killed, along with two people passing the Victory Baptist Church, which was then set alight. At the Church of Christ, the Reverend Haskanda Jessu said three men killed a 60-year-old security guard. The attacks have been blamed on Boko Haram, a Muslim sect that has its headquarters in the city.
At least 38 people were killed in Nigeria and six wounded in the Philippines in attacks targeting churches and Christmas shoppers.
The Pope told pilgrims on Sunday that he was saddened by attacks on Christians and by a suicide attack in Peshawar, Pakistan, that claimed 40 lives. "I want to express my heartfelt sorrow for the victims of these absurd acts of violence and repeat an appeal to abandon the path of hate and seek instead peaceful solutions to conflicts," he said. "The Earth is once again stained with blood."
In one of two Christmas Eve attacks in Nigeria, dozens of armed men dragged a pastor out of his home in Maiduguri and shot him dead. Two male choir members were also killed, along with two people passing the Victory Baptist Church, which was then set alight. At the Church of Christ, the Reverend Haskanda Jessu said three men killed a 60-year-old security guard. The attacks have been blamed on Boko Haram, a Muslim sect that has its headquarters in the city.
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