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Pope Francis prays for ceasing bloodshed in Egypt

The Vatican radio continues to broadcast news on the destruction of Christian churches and prayer halls in Egypt
Photo EPA/ITAR-TASS
Photo EPA/ITAR-TASS

VATICAN CITY, August 18 (Itar-Tass) - Pope Francis has prayed for ceasing the bloodshed in Egypt.

The pope said it was unacceptable to use force for the sake of the faith.

Addressing pilgrims at Saint Peter’s Square on Sunday, Pope Francis said the Law of the Lord did not envision the use of force for the sake of the faith.

“A believer is strong by his truth and love, by the renunciation of violence. The faith and violence are incompatible!” the pope said.

Sources at the Vatican Administration note the Holy See’s growing concern over security of Christians in Egypt. The Vatican radio continues to broadcast news on the destruction of Christian churches and prayer halls in Egypt.

Early reports say destructors robbed and burnt over 40 Christian churches, including 10 Catholic churches, several Lutheran churches and 30 Orthodox - Copt and Greek - churches. ANSA Italian News Agency reports that a group of believers guard Saint Mark’s Cathedral in Alexandria, one of the oldest Christian churches in the Arab world.