Pope Benedict Express Condolences on Death of Sheikh Tantawi
(11 Mar 10 - RV) Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B. has sent the
following English-language message, in the Pope's name, to Sheikh Muhammad Abd al-Aziz
Wasil, "wakil" of al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt. "Having learned of the sudden
death of the Grand Imam and Sheikh of al-Azhar, Dr. Muhammad Sayyed Tantawi, Pope
Benedict XVI has asked me to convey to your community and to the family of Sheikh
Tantawi his heartfelt and prayerful condolences. He recalls the distinguished figure
of this religious leader, who for long years was a valued partner in the dialogue
between Muslims and Catholics. "I willingly express my own condolences and I recall
with gratitude the impulse which the late Sheikh gave to the meetings between the
Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue and the Permanent Committee for Dialogue
of al-Azhar".