Your Excellency,

The atrocious assassination of H.E. Ihab el Sherif, Ambassador of Egypt in Iraq, has filled the Holy See with grief, and undoubtedly, every right-minded person.

In the history of humanity, the figure of ambassador has always been considered sacred since the ambassador is the official representative of his nation and, because of the nature of his office, is always involved in a mission of peace, harmony and brotherhood between peoples.

This barbaric murder has taken place in a world context of persistent terrorism that is contrary to every sentiment of humanity and religion. Nonetheless, it will never be able to undermine the international community's commitment to combat violence or its common effort to identify and eliminate the political, social and cultural causes.

The Holy Father, informed of this brutal crime, desires to express his profound sorrow and the assurance of his prayers to H.E. Mr Hosni Mubarak, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, to his Government and to the entire noble and peace-loving People of Egypt.

He also asks that his sentiments be conveyed to the relatives of Ambassador el Sherif.

Together with Archbishop Leonardo Sandri, Substitute for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State, and Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo, Secretary for Relations with States, I share in the Holy Father's sentiments and express the most heartfelt condolences on behalf of us all.

Please accept, Your Excellency, the expression of my highest esteem.

Cardinal Angelo Sodano
Secretary of State

*L'Osservatore Romano. Weekly Edition in English n°28 p.2.