The following comes from a November 14 Catholic News Agency article by Ann Schneidble:

The acts of terrorism which took place in Paris Friday night are the latest part in what Pope Francis has called a “piecemeal World War III,” describing the attacks as “inhuman.”

“There is no justification for these things,” the pontiff said in a phone interview Saturday with TV 2000, the official broadcasting station for the Italian Bishops Conference.

Speaking in response to the November 13 attacks, which are the deadliest acts of violence the city has seen since the World War II, the Pope said he is “moved and pained” by what happened, and expressed his closeness to those affected by the tragedy.

At least 128 people are confirmed dead and more than 180 wounded in terrorist attacks which targeted bars, restaurants, a concert hall, and a football stadium in the heart of Paris on November 13. Around 80 people are listed in critical condition, according to the BBC.

The BBC reports that French president Francois Hollande has called the attacks “an act of war” by ISIS.

Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, sent a telegram to Cardinal Vingt-Trois on behalf of Pope Francis, assuring the archbishop of Paris of his prayers for those affected by “horrific terrorist attacks.”

“The Holy Father vigorously condemns violence, which cannot solve anything,” the telegram reads, according to Vatican Radio’s translation of the message which was originally written in French.