The Vatican condemned the killings in Paris as "mad terrorist violence" and called for a decisive response to counter the spread of "homicidal hatred."

"We condemn (it) in the most radical way together with the pope and all those who love peace," Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said in a statement.

Meanwhile Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Saturday cancelled his visit to Italy and France following attacks in Paris that left at least 120 dead, Iran's foreign minister was quoted as saying by the state news agency, IRNA.

"Due to the terrorist incidents in Paris and in coordination with the hosts, the Iranian president postponed his visit to Italy, Vatican and France to a more convenient time," Iran's foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, told state television, according to IRNA.

Rouhani condemned the Paris attacks as an "inhumane crime" in a statement carried by IRNA.

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