The Administrative Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has issue a statement paying tribute to the four Missionaries of Charity who were slain in Yemen on March 4.

“Caring for the aging and dying is an act of love and mercy,” the bishops stated. “Giving totally of oneself to serve the most vulnerable of our brothers and sisters is an act of courageous faith. Thus, it is always a great sorrow when such acts of mercy lead to martyrdom.”

The prelates also noted that the US State Department is considering an official finding of probable cause that genocide is occurring against Christians, Yazidis and other religious minorities. It would be an important step toward a declaration of genocide. That declaration would be a life-saving aid in the defense of those facing the extremists' violence. The Christian community along with others is working to help gather the necessary evidence to urge State Department action.