The pope has mourned four missionaries who were killed last week in different countries of Africa.
The four slain missionaries were Father Daniel Cizimya Nakamaga, 51, and Trappist Sister Denise Kahambu, assassinated in DR Congo; French Fr. Louis Blondel killed in South Africa; and Northern Irish Fr. Jeremiah Roche, 68, slain Friday night in his home in Kericho, in Kenya.
Pope Benedict said at the conclusion of the Angelus Midday Prayer on Sunday that the four missionaries were faithful witnesses of the Gospel, which they knew how to proclaim, even at the risk of their own lives.
The Pontiff expressed his nearness to the families and communities of the slain missionaries.
Pope Benedict invited all to join in his prayer that the Lord welcome the four martyrs into his house, console those who weep for them and bring them reconciliation and peace with his coming.