Twin bombings have devastated Egypt’s Christian community, together killing at least 44 people as Palm Sunday celebrations were thrown into bloody chaos.

The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil) claimed responsibility for the attacks on Alexandria and Tanta which also injured more than 100 people.

The latest in a string of violent assaults on Egypt's Christian minority came as as Pope Francis prepares to visit in a show of support later this month.

In the Nile Delta town of Tanta, about 60 miles north of Cairo, a bomb tore through the packed Mar Gerges church, killing at least 27 people and injuring more than 70.

Hundreds gathered outside the church shortly after the blast, some weeping and wearing black while inside, pews were blown apart and a symbolic display of palm fronds were left covered in blood.