Protests over Pakistan Church Attacks Turn Violent

Thousands of Pakistani Christians blocked streets in several cities Monday to protest attacks against two of their churches over the weekend.

On Sunday, Taliban suicide bombers blew themselves up outside two churches in the city of Lahore, killing 17 people and wounding at least 70 others.

"People who were praying, people in church, defenseless people, were attacked, which is a crime. And that's what we are protesting [against]. We are asking the government for protection, for security and to allow us to pray in peace," Father Mario Rodrigues said.

Protesters shut down traffic and public transportation in parts of several cities. In Lahore, police fired tear gas into the crowds after demonstrators attacked several officers.

Christians are calling on the government to crack down on Islamic extremists and do more to protect churches and other minority faiths.

Christian missionary schools were closed as the country observes a day of mourning on Monday.

Pakistan is a Muslim nation and Christians account for less than 3 percent of the population.