Pope concerned about rise in anti–Christian violence in India

New Delhi – Pope Benedict XVI has expressed his deep concern over the killings of priests, religious and innocent Christians in India.

In a private audience at the Vatican with the president of Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), on October 21, the pontiff said that the Church would emerge stronger amidst trials and tribulations in India.

Mr. Sajan K. George, GCIC president, had appraised the head of the Roman Catholic Church of the rise in persecution of the Christian community in India by religious fundamentalists. The Pope listened sympathetically and expressed his deep concerns for the victims of sectarian violence, George said.

The GCIC president presented to the pontiff a copy of India Persecution Update, a monthly index of persecution of Christians in India, besides collections of photos showing atrocities against Christians.

“Leafing through the pages of India Persecution Update, the Holy Father said that the Church continues to pray for its martyrs and for the persecuted Church in India,” Mr. George said.