Vatican Blasts Attacks on Christians

Official: India killings underscore spread of 'Christianophobia'

By Michael Foreman, Newser User

Posted Aug 29, 2008 5:09 PM CDT

(Newser) – The Vatican warned against the spread of "Christianophobia" today following attacks in India that left 13 Christians dead, Reuters reports. Thousands fled their homes this week as mobs rioted in retaliation for the murder of a Hindu leader. The Pope condemned the violence, and Italy's foreign ministry will demand India take "incisive action" to stop the killing.

Intolerance toward Christians "should be combated as decisively as 'Islamophobia' and anti-Semitism," the Vatican's foreign minister said. The plea echoes the Pope's call last month to protect Christians in Iraq after the kidnapping and murder of an archbishop in Mosul. The Vatican claims the number of Iraqi Christians has dropped by half since the US-led invasion.

Missionaries of Charity hold a candle-lit vigil to protest the attack on Christians in Orissa, India, Aug. 27, 2008. (AP Photo)

Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, the Vatican's foreign minister, warned against "Christianophobia." (Getty Images)

Indian Christians hold placards to protest against the recent attacks on members of the Christian community today in Orissa. (AP Photo)

Christians and social activists protest against the recent communal violence in the eastern Indian state of Orissa, in New Delhi, India, Friday, Aug. 29, 2008. (AP Photo)

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Vatican Blasts Attacks on Christians

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Pope to Middle East Christians: Stay Strong

Hours after Egypt church blast, pope urges followers 'not to yield'

India Riots Bust Out After Austria Temple Killing

Punjab erupts in violence after Sikh guru's murder

Pope Prays for Healing After Abuse Scandal

Reassures clergy of his "spiritual closeness" in NYC

Kidnapped Priest Found Dead in Iraq

Captors tell church Chaldean archbishop was ill before death

Vatican Leaks Expose a Mutiny Within

Leaks shed light on Holy See power struggle

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