The pope said Rebecca Bitrus and Asia Bibi are models for a society that today has ever more fear of suffering.

Catholic leaders and organizers from around the U.S. have been loudly clamoring for relief for the young adults, some who already face deportation and the loss of permits that allow them to work, drive and attend school.

While reiterating that the killings must stop, the bishops warned that the leaders did not know how to make peace, were confused, traumatized and feared peace.

A Baptist preacher had never before been invited to speak at a Catholic institution.

U.N. agencies estimate more than 65 million people are currently stateless or forcibly displaced from their countries and 51 percent of them are children.

The victims gave their testimony to another official after the original Vatican envoy had emergency surgery.