Coptic Pope Tawadros II has condemned an attack on a church in Libya.
Two men were killed in an explosion at a Coptic Orthodox Church building on 29 December.
No one has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Funerals were held on Wednesday for victims Wagdi Malak Hanna, 40, and Ashraf Samy Adly, 26.
Pope Tawadros II said: "We condemn in the strongest possible terms
these terrorist acts that target houses of worship and we appeal to the
peoples of the world and their governments to fight such terrorism
…religions are founded on love and peace and forbid aggression against
innocent people."
Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the
United Kingdom said, "The Coptic Orthodox Church has been in Libya for
over twenty years, and it is sad that this has happened now, especially
at this time of celebration. We hope that it is not a sign of things to come, and pray for peace
in Libya, Egypt and throughout the Middle East, the birthplace of
Christ."
According to Associated Press, the Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohammed
Kamel Amr said an investigation would be launched into the attack and
that those responsible would "be put on trial".