CAIRO — Egypt recalled its ambassador to the Vatican over Pope Benedict XVI's demand that world governments do more to ensure Christians can practice their faith without discrimination or violence.
In a speech Monday to ambassadors accredited to the Vatican, Benedict cited recent attacks on Christians in Egypt, Iraq and Nigeria, and said governments must take effective measures to protect religious minorities.
Hossam Zaki, a spokesman for Egypt's Foreign Ministry described Benedict's remarks Tuesday as "unacceptable" and charged him of interfering in the country's internal affairs.
A bomb attack killed 23 worshipers at an Alexandria church on the New Year's Eve.
