Pope Francis urged Muslim leaders to renounce “violence and vengeance” carried out in the name of religion on Friday, during a visit to Egypt that comes amid a bloody campaign by extremists from Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil) to purge the country of Christians.

“Let us say once more a firm and clear 'No!' to every form of violence, vengeance and hatred carried out in the name of religion or in the name of God,” the Pope said in an address to a peace conference.

“Together let us affirm the incompatibility of violence and faith, belief and hatred,” he said.