Pope’s condolence message for death of Ethiopia’s Prime Minister

(Aug. 22, 2012) Pope Benedict XVI on Tuesday expressed his condolences on hearing of the untimely death of Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and recalled his many years of leadership. The Pope’s condolence message addressed to the President of Ethiopia, Girma Wolde Giorgis, was sent in the Pope’s name by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarciscio Bertone. The message offered the Pope’s condolences and prayers to the family of Zenawi and to all the people of Ethiopia. 57- year- old Meles died in a Belgian hospital on Monday just before midnight after contracting an infection, authorities said. Thousands of Ethiopians descended on the centre of the capital Addis Ababa on Tuesday to mourn their prime minister, whose body was flown home after his death in Brussels. Born May 8, 1955 Meles led the country first as transitional president and later as prime minister. He is survived by his wife Azeb Mesfin, a member of parliament, with whom he had three children.