Pope calls on world to defend modern Christian martyrs.

(Andrew Medichini, AP)

Vatican City - Pope Francis called on the world to give tangible help to persecuted Christians on Monday, highlighting the plight of people he described as modern "martyrs" after nearly 150 people were killed by Islamist militants in Kenya.

Addressing crowds in bright sunshine at St Peter's Square in the Vatican after four days of special Easter services, the pontiff listed the evils inflicted on people for their faith and exhorted the international community to act.

"These are our martyrs of today, and they are many. We can say that there are more of them now than there were in the early centuries. I hope the international community does not look on, mute and inert, at such an unacceptable crime," Francis said.

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