Pope Francis has sent his heartfelt condolences for the death of former UN Secretary-General, Boutros Boutros-Ghali.
In a telegram that Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, sent on the Pope’s behalf to current UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, this morning, the Pope expressed this.
At the age of 93 yesterday, the Egyptian diplomat passed away. Boutros Boutros-Ghali was a Coptic Christian and had served as Secretary-General from 1992 to 1996.
The Pontiff recalled the late UN official’s generous service to his country and to the international community and offered prayers for his eternal rest.
The Pope concluded, invoking divine blessings of peace and strength upon the members of the late diplomat’s family and all who mourn his loss.
Below is the Vatican-provided text of the telegram.
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His Excellency Ban Ki-moon
Secretary-General of the United Nations
New York
His Holiness Pope Francis was saddened to learn of the death of former Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali, and he extends heartfelt condolences to you and your colleagues at the United Nations Organization. Recalling Mr Boutros-Ghali’s generous service to his country and to the international community, His Holiness offers the assurance of his prayers for the late Secretary-General’s eternal rest, and he invokes the divine blessings of peace and strength upon the members of his family and all who mourn his loss.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Secretary of State
[Original text: English]
