Pope Francis reflected on the execution of 21 Coptic Christians in Libya by Islamic State terrorists.
POPE FRANCIS
'Their only words were: 'Jesus, help me!' They were killed simply for the fact that they were Christians.â?
Pope Francis spoke about the victims during a meeting with a delegation from the Reformed Church of Scotland.
POPE FRANCIS
'In our globalized and often confused world, a common Christian witness is a necessary requisite for the effectiveness of our efforts to evangelize.â?
The Pope told the group he was deeply saddened by the news. The Reformed Church of Scotland's leader, Rev. John Chalmers, was present.
POPE FRANCIS
'The blood of our Christian brothers and sisters is a testimony which cries out to be heard. It makes no difference whether they be Catholics, Orthodox, Copts or Protestants. They are Christians! Their blood is one and the same. I ask that we encourage each another to go forward with this ecumenism which is giving us strength, the ecumenism of blood. The martyrs belong to all Christians.â?
During the ecumenical meeting, Pope Francis asked that all Christians unite so that the light of Christ can reach wherever there is only darkness.
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