In a statement released by the Vatican on Sunday, the killings were described as a "new manifestation of homicidal folly and senseless hatred".

The statement said Pope Francis joined the families of the victims and of all the injured in prayer and compassion.

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In a message signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, Pope Francis called the attack an "act of senseless and diabolical violence."

Report said that four gunmen entered a center run by the Missionaries of Charity sisters in the city of Aden and handcuffed the victims before shooting them in the head.

It was the second attack on the missionary sisters. In 1998, three sisters were beaten to death when the Church of the Holy Family in Aden was attacked.

A Catholic church was burned, a Christian cemetery was vandalized, and an abandoned church was blown up in the country in the past 12 months

In the Vatican statement, Pope Francis prayed "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."

The pontiff also appealed for an end to the conflict in Yemen, calling for all parties to "renounce violence, and to renew their commitment" to the people, particularly those most in need.

Sources

AP/ABC News
AP/Time
America Magazine
Crux
Image: AFP/Time