Pope Francis, on Wednesday denounced “shameful” attacks on Christians in Nigeria and the Central African Republic, calling for an end to “all hate and violence”.
At least, 11 worshippers were gunned down at a church in southeast Nigeria on Sunday, with authorities suggesting the bloodshed was due to a local feud.
Pope said, “I have been profoundly saddened by the massacre last Sunday in Nigeria, inside a church, where innocent people were killed,” the pontiff said at the end of his weekly public audience at the Vatican.
“And sadly this morning we have news of violence in the Central African Republic against Christian communities,” he said.
“I hope all forms of hate and violence will cease and such shameful crimes in places of worship, where the faithful are gathered to pray, will not be repeated,” he concluded.