Pope says martyrdom present today

(ANSA) - Vatican City, February 6 - Martyrdom is not an historical experience only but is present today as Christians are persecuted and murdered for their faith, Pope Francis said Friday.
    "People who hate Jesus Christ" are still threatening Christians around the world, the pope said during his homily at morning Mass in St. Martha's House, the Vatican guesthouse where Francis lives. Reflecting on the Gospel accounts of the death of John the Baptist, Francis said the story makes him think of those who sacrifice everything to uphold their faith.
    "When I read this passage (of the Gospel) I confess I get emotional and I always think of two things," Francis said.
    "First, I think of our martyrs, the martyrs of our times, men, women, children who are being persecuted, hated, driven out of their homes, tortured, massacred," he added.
    "And this is not a thing of the past: this is happening right now. Our martyrs, who are meeting their end under the authority of corrupt people who hate Jesus Christ. http://popefrancisnewsapp.com/