Pope Benedict Pleads For Nigerian Religious Violence To End

Pope Benedict XVI is appealing to Nigerians to cooperate in the construction of a peaceful and reconciled society after a string of deadly church bombings and subsequent retaliatory attacks.

I am following with deep concern the news from Nigeria, where terrorist attacks are continuing, especially against Christians, the pontiff said from the Vatican. I appeal to those responsible for the violence to immediately stop spilling the blood of innocent people.

Islamic radical group Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for multiple attacks on Christian worshipers in northeastern Nigeria this month. As a result, mobs of Christian in Kaduna and other areas have begun attacking Muslims, and more than 40 people have been killed in religious clashes on Tuesday, according to Nigeria's BusinessDay. The Pope on Wednesday said that all people should avoid the path of vendetta and work to rebuild Nigerian society.