World religious leaders gather in Assisi, Italy for a summit to promote peace.<br/> The initiative was called by Catholic Pope Benedict XVI, on the 25th anniversary of a similar event hosted by his predecessor John Paul II.<br/> Pilgrims gathered outside the Saint Mary of the Angels Basilica, where the meeting took place.<br/> Many had travelled long distances to take part, such as one group Romania.<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (English) ORTHODOX FAITHFUL FROM ROMANIA, MARIA:<br/> "We are so happy to be here. Yesterday was a great moment when after a day of hard rain we arrive here, and we were so happy realising that we've done 140 kilometres, we are here for the meeting with the Pope."<br/> The summit comes following concerns over rising inter-religious violence.<br/> In January Benedict expressed concern for the persecution of Christians around the world.<br/> Earlier this month, at least 25 people were killed in Cairo when a protest by Coptic Christians was violently suppressed by the army.<br/> In November last year, more than 50 hostages and police officers were killed when al Qaeda gunmen stormed a Baghdad church.<br/> The Vatican fears that continuing attacks are fuelling a Christian exodus from the Middle East.<br/> Simon Hanna, Reuters
