'The world tries to hide' Pope Francis calls for immediate end to persecution of Christians after suicide bombers attack Pakistani churches

"Our brothers shed blood only because they are Christians," cried out Pope Francis as he appealed for an end to the persecution of Christians around the world following a devastating attack in Pakistan.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Twin suicide bombings outside two churches - one Catholic, the other Anglican - in Lahore, Pakistan, Pakistan's second most populated city, killed 15 people and left more than 75 wounded.

"These are Christian churches: Christians are being persecuted," stated Francis to a crowd gathered in St. Peter's Square as he suggests the world down plays the fact that Christians are being targeted, according to CNS News.

Part of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan group takes responsibility for the explosions and have threatened more killings.

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"As I assure you of my prayers for the victims and their families, I ask the Lord, I beseech the Lord, source of all goodness, for the gift of peace and harmony for that country," continued the Pope, "and that this persecution against Christians, which the world tries to hide, might end, and that there may be peace."

According to Pakistan's Express Tribune daily, the bombers were stopped at the church entrances by congregation members. If the bombers made it in to the church the death count would have been much larger.

"Government authorities failed in protecting the worship places of religious minorities," said Human Rights Focus Pakistan president Naveed Walter, speaking on the missing security that was promised after a Supreme Court order nine months ago.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has pledged to resolve and eradicate terrorism and extremism from Pakistan, but Christians have heard these promises before and are losing hope.

"Nothing has been done until this day," explained Walter.

Christians make up just two percent of Pakistan's 180 million population, according to CNS News. The violence against the minority religion continues to increase year after year. Pakistan has landed the number eight spot on Open Doors USA watch list of the world's worst places for Christians.

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