ROME (AP) -- Pope Francis, presiding at the traditional Good Friday Colosseum procession, decried what he called the 'We see, even today, our brothers persecuted, beheaded and crucified, for their faith in you, in front of our eyes or often with our complicit silence," he said, as he prayed.A few hours earlier, Francis had condemned the deadly attack by Islamic militants targeting Christians at a Kenyan university. Earlier this year he denounced the murder in Libya of 21 Coptic Christians by Islamic State-affiliated militants, saying they were slain simply for being Christian. And he has lamented how Christians in parts of the Middle East have been forced to flee their ancient communities to escape persecution.Among those chosen to take turns carrying the lightweight, slender cross in the procession were faithful from Iraq, Syria, Nigeria, Egypt and China.One of the prayers during the procession called for the "fundamental right of religious freedom" to spread throughout the world.In another reflection, a lector said "our conscience is troubled. We anxiously ask: When will the death penalty, still practiced in many states, be abolished?" There was also an appeal for the end of all torture.Tens of thousands of tourists, pilgrims and Romans held candles as they joined in the prayers on a warm night.Francis will celebrate Easter vigil Mass Saturday night in St. Peter's Basilica. On Easter Sunday morning, he will celebrate Mass in St. Peter's Square.Follow Frances D'Emilio on twitter at [ Ссылка ] 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed Follow us on Twitter @Local12 and LIKE us on Facebook for updates!
