Christians in Iraq are protesting recent attacks against their fellow believers.

At least eight Christians have been slain in the past two weeks in the northern city of Mosul.

Christian protestors are urging the Iraqi government to take action against what they say are targeted killings.

"The blood of innocents screams for terrorism and violence to be stopped," read one banner.

The killings also prompted an appeal by Pope Benedict on Sunday for Iraqi authorities to protect vulnerable religious minorities.

"I appeal to the civil authorities to complete every effort to give security again to the population, and in particular, to the most vulnerable religious minorities," the Pope said in his weekly blessing from Vatican City.

The latest killings come as Iraq prepares for its parliamentary election on March 7.