Egypt mourns 25 Christians killed in church explosion

Egyptians are holding prayers for 25 Christians killed at a church next to main Coptic cathedral in Cairo in what was one of the deadliest attacks on the religious minority in recent memory.

The bomb went off during Sunday Mass at a chapel adjacent to St Mark's Cathedral in the capital. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The coffins of the 25 victims were laid in front of the altar on Monday, with the names of each one displayed on the side facing the congregation.

Only victims' relatives were allowed to attend the service. Some screamed out in grief, while the rest sobbed or sat in sombre silence as a priest led the service.

The worst previous attack against Christians was a 2011 bombing in Alexandria that killed 21.