Pope urges better security for religious minorities in Pakistan

Vatican City: Pope Francis on Monday appealed to Pakistani authorities to step up security for religious minorities after the "abhorrent" suicide bombing targeting Christians which killed scores in Lahore.

"Yesterday in Pakistan, Holy Easter was bloodied by an abhorrent attack," the pontiff told a crowd gathered in St Peter's Square in his Angelus blessing on Easter Monday.

"Once again, violence and heinous murder lead only to suffering and destruction."

"I appeal to the civil authorities and to all the social constituents of this nation to do everything in their power to restore safety and serenity to the population, particularly the most vulnerable religious minorities", he said.

More than 70 people were killed on Sunday in the suicide bombing near a children's play area in a park in Lahore, where many had gathered to celebrate Easter. The Taliban claimed responsibility and said the attack had targeted Christians.

The Vatican on Sunday had condemned the attack as "fanatical violence against Christian minorities".