Pope urges world leaders to promote peaceful coexistence

Vatican City, Feb 29  Pope Francis on Monday called on world leaders to "promote peaceful coexistence" in the face of what he called "a devastating outbreak of violence against Christians".

He made the remarks during an audience at the Vatican with the leader of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, Pope Matthias I.

"Today too, you are witnessing a devastating outbreak of violence against Christians and other minorities in the Middle East and in some parts of Africa," Pope Francis said.

"We cannot fail, yet again, to implore those who govern the world’s political and economic life to promote a peaceful coexistence based on reciprocal respect and reconciliation, mutual forgiveness and solidarity."