"Many of us consider him a hero. Many of us in the church consider him a martyr," said Msgr. Richard Paperini.

Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, the military spokesman, also urged netizens not to share the video, which shows militants ripping a picture of Pope Francis, toppling a crucifix, and stomping on and torching religious statues.

Prime Minister May’s record on terrorism, and a widespread hostility to Donald Trump, also complicates the Tories’ bid for a mandate in parliamentary elections.

Archbishop Peter Smith of Southwark offered prayers for the victims and survivors of the June 3 attack that claimed 7 lives and injured 48 people.

Gunmen opened fire on a bus carrying Coptic Christians south of the Egyptian capital on Friday, killing 24 people and wounding 25, officials said.

Gunmen claiming to have links with the Islamic State group threatened to kill hostages, including a Catholic priest, who were taken from the southern Philippine city of Marawi on May 23.