A group of Japanese Christians who were killed in the 17th century for refusing to renounce their religion have been beatified in a ceremony in the city of Nagasaki officiated by a representative of Pope Benedict XVI

The 188 Christians were beatified, or 'made holy', as the culmination of a 27-year effort, which began with a visit to Japan by Pope John Paul II in 1981.

Beatification is the final stage before sainthood in Catholicism.

More than 30,000 Christians attended Monday's ceremony, held in a baseball stadium

It was the first ceremony of its kind ever to be held in Japan.

The 188 Christians included samurai warriors, housewives and children who were crucified and tortured, but refused to renounce their faith. 

Although records show 4,000-5,000 Japanese were killed for refusing to give up their religion, the Japanese Catholic Church says the true number could be much higher.

Christianity was introduced to Japan by the Portuguese Jesuit priest Francis Xavier in 1549 but banned by the government for 250 years.