Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday condemned anti-Christian violence in India, where at least 11 people were killed in three days of violence as Christians clashed with Hindu mobs attacking churches, shops and homes.

During his weekly audience at the Vatican, Benedict said he was "profoundly saddened" by news of the violence against Christian communities in eastern India.

"I firmly condemn any attack on human life," Benedict told a crowd of faithful and pilgrims. "I express spiritual closeness and solidarity to the brothers and sisters in faith who are being so harshly tested."

The pope also called "deplorable" the killing of a Hindu leader. Hardline Hindus have blamed that death on Christian militants, setting off the latest violence in India's Orissa state.

Benedict urged religious leaders and local authorities to "work together to re-establish between the members of the various communities the peaceful coexistence and the harmony that have always marked Indian society."

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