Pope Francis greets faithful in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Sunday, May 17, 2015. Pope Francis canonized two nuns from what was 19th century Palestine on Sunday in hopes of encouraging Christians across the Middle East who are facing a wave of persecution from Islamic extremists. Sisters Mariam Bawardy and Marie Alphonsine Ghattas were among four sisters who were made saints Sunday at a Mass in a sun-soaked St. Peter’s Square. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) MORE