Thousands of people gathered in towns and city centres across Northern Ireland yesterday in a united stand against the violence that has hit their nation in the last week.

The peace vigils drew large crowds to Belfast, Londonderry, Lisburn, Newry, Downpatrick and Craigavon.

They were held in the wake of the murders of Sappers Mark Quinsey and Patrick Azimkar on Saturday, and Constable Stephen Carroll on Monday night by dissident republicans.

A Requiem Mass will be said for Constable Carroll, 48, in St Therese Church in his hometown of Banbridge on Friday.

Church leaders have unanimously condemned the killings and urged a return to peace.

"I condemn in the strongest terms these abominable acts of terrorism which, apart from desecrating human life, seriously endanger the ongoing peace process in Northern Ireland," said Pope Benedict at his weekly general audience.

"I ask the Lord that no one will again give in to the horrendous temptation of violence.”

The Anglican Primate of All Ireland, Archbishop Alan Harper, has called for a redoubling of efforts towards lasting peace.

He vowed in a joint statement with the Archbishop of Dublin, Dr John Neill, that the killings would not derail the peace process.

“The people of Ireland North and South have agreed to move forward through political process,” the statement said.

“The Good Friday Agreement signed by political representatives was confirmed in referenda that established a commitment to forge a peaceful, inclusive and respectful future.

“The actions of an unrepresentative minority will not be allowed to disrupt the democratic process and turn us back to darker days.”

Archbishop Harper has called on the Church of Ireland to remember the victims, those injured and their families on Sunday.