At the end of his general audience Nov. 12, Pope Francis asked the estimated 15,000 people in St. Peter's Square to join him in reciting the Lord's Prayer for Christians facing persecution.

"With great trepidation, I am following the dramatic incidents of Christians in several parts of the world being persecuted and killed because of their religious beliefs," the Pope said. "I must express my deep spiritual closeness to the Christian communities so harshly struck by an absurd violence that does not show signs of stopping."

Calling on political leaders on the national and international level, as well as on "all people of good will," Pope Francis urged a global "mobilization of consciences" to protect persecuted Christians. "They have a right to find security and peace in their own countries while freely professing their faith."