Pope terms massacre of the Sisters of Mother Teresa, senseless and diabolical act

In a message signed by Secretary of State, Francis expresses "shock" and "deep sorrow" for the deaths of four Missionaries of Charity and 12 other people killed in a home for elderly in Aden. "In the name of God, I ask all parties to renounce violence and to renew the commitment to the people of Yemen."

 

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - Pope Francis is "shocked and deeply saddened" by the "useless and senseless slaughter" of four Missionaries of Charity and 12 civilians, killed yesterday in a raid on a home for elderly people in Aden, reads a telegram written by Card. Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State. Francis asks to all those involved in the ongoing war in Yemen "in the name of God"  to lay down their weapons and take the path of dialogue. The killing of the sisters is an "evil and senseless" act. Below the full text of the message:

 His Holiness Pope Francis was shocked and profoundly saddened to learn of the killing of four Missionaries of Charity and twelve others at a home for the elderly in Aden. He sends the assurance of his prayers for the dead and his spiritual closeness to their families and to all affected from this act of senseless and diabolical violence. He prays that this pointless slaughter will awaken consciences, lead to a change of heart, and inspire all parties to lay down their arms and take up the path of dialogue. In the name of God, he calls upon all parties in the present conflict to renounce violence, and to renew their commitment to the people of Yemen, particularly those most in need, whom the Sisters and their helpers sought to serve. Upon everyone suffering from this violence, the Holy Father invokes God’s blessing, and in a special ways he extends to the Missionaries of Charity his prayerful sympathy and solidarity.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin

Secretary of State

• Vatican
• Yemen
• Pope Francis
• Sisters of Charity
• raid
• Aden
• massacre