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Pope Francis Says Coptic Christians Killed in Egypt Bus Attack Were 'Martyrs'

Pope Francis expressed solidarity with Egypt's Coptic Christians Sunday following the ISIS-claimed attack on a bus carrying pilgrims to a desert monastery.
Image: Coptic Christians shout after the funeral of some of the victims of the bus attack.
Coptic Christians shout after the funeral of some of the victims of the bus attack.Amr Nabil / AP
By The Associated Press

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis expressed solidarity with Egypt's Coptic Christians Sunday following the attack on a bus carrying pilgrims to a remote desert monastery.

Francis led thousands of people in prayer Sunday for the victims, who Francis said were killed in "another act of ferocious violence" after having refused to renounce their Christian faith.

Image: Coptic Christians shout after the funeral of some of the bus attack victims.
Coptic Christians shout after the funeral of some of the bus attack victims.Amr Nabil / AP

Speaking from his studio window over St. Peter's Square, Francis said: "May the Lord welcome these courageous witnesses, these martyrs, in his peace and convert the hearts of the violent ones."

ISIS claimed responsibility for Friday's attack, which killed 29 people.

On Saturday during a visit to Genoa, Francis prayed for the victims and lamented that there were more martyrs now than in early Christian times.

The Associated Press