Vatican City (AsiaNews) In a letter sent to Ms Nevine Simaika Halim Abdalla, Egyptian Ambassador to the Holy See, Card Angelo Sodano, Vatican Secretary of State writes that the killing of Egypt's Ambassador to Iraq Ihab al-Sherif was "heinous "and "fills the Holy See with sorrow as it would any sensible human being".
The diplomat was abducted on July 2 by al-Qaeda's affiliate in Iraq, headed by Jordanian militant Abu Musa Al Zarqawi.
Egyptian authorities in Cairo confirmed his death, which was previously announced on a website linked with the terrorist organisation.
Card Sodano expressed Pope Benedict XVI's "profound sorrow", offering his prayers to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, his government and the noble, peace-loving people of Egypt.
Here is the full text of the letter:
The heinous killing of the Ambassador of Egypt to Iraq, His Excellency Ihab el Sherif, fills the Holy See with sorrow as it would any sensible human being.
In the whole history of humanity, the role of Ambassador was considered sacred for he was the official envoy of his people. The nature of the office always entailed a mission of peace, harmony and brotherhood among the peoples.
This barbaric killing has taken place in a world context of persistent terrorism, which is contrary to every sentiment of humanity and of religion.
But it cannot weaken the commitment of the international community to stop violence and its common efforts to find and eliminate terrorism's political, social and cultural causes.
When he was informed of the gruesome crime, the Holy Father decided to express to His Excellency Hosni Mubarak, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, to his government and to the whole, noble and peace-loving people of Egypt, his profound sorrow and offer his prayers. He also asked that His sentiments be extended to the family of Ambassador al-Sherif.
Together with His Excellency Mgr Leonardo Sandri, Substitute of the Secretary of State, and His Excellency Mgr Giovanni Lajolo, Secretary for Relations with States, I join the Holy Father in expressing these sentiments and extend my most heartfelt condolences.
Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurance of my highest consideration.