Pope Benedict XVI has sent condolences to the President of Ethiopia, Girma Wolde Giorgis,
following the death of the country's Prime Minister, Meles Zenawi. Meles passed in
the night between Monday and Tuesday while being treated at a Brussels hospital. Below,
please find the full text of the telegram, signed by the Secretary of State, Cardinal
Tarcisio Bertone. **************************************************************** His
Excellency Girma Wolde Giorgis President of the Federal Democratic
Republic of Ethiopia Addis Ababa Having learned of the untimely death of
Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI sends heartfelt condolences
to Your Excellency, to the family of Mr. Zenawi and to all the people of Ethiopia.
Recalling his many years of leadership, the Holy Father offers the assurance of prayers
far his eternal rest. Upon the late Prime Minister 's family and all who mourn his
loss, His Holiness invokes Almighty God's blessings as a pledge of consolation and
hope. Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone Secretary of State