VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis is decrying what he calls the vile and abominable Easter Sunday bombing in a Pakistani park targeting Christians, and is insisting religious minorities be protected.

Francis told faithful in St. Peter’s Square today that most of those who died were minority Christian families celebrating Easter — although authorities later said most victims identified so far are Muslim.

Authorities said Muslims and Christians were among the 70 victims.

Francis is calling on authorities in Pakistan to “make every effort to restore security and serenity” to Pakistanis, particularly religious minorities in the largely Muslim Asian nation.

He also said violence and murderous hate only lead to sorrow and destruction and that respect and brotherhood are the only path to reach peace.