Pope Benedict on Monday directly called on Pakistan to abrogate its anti-blasphemy law, saying it serves as a pretext for violence against religious minorities such as Christians in predominantly Muslim countries. "Among the norms prejudicing the right of persons to religious freedom, particular mention must be made of the law against blasphemy in Pakistan," said Pope Benedict, speaking in his annual address to diplomats. "I once more encourage the leaders of that country to take the necessary steps to abrogate that law, all the more so because it is clear that it serves as a pretext for acts of injustice and violence against religious minorities," he said. "The tragic murder of the governor of Punjab shows the urgent need to make progress in this direction: the worship of God furthers fraternity and love, not hatred and division," the pontiff said.