Pope Condemns Execution Of Egypt Diplomat

Pope Benedict (file photo) 8 July 2005 (RFE/RL) -- Pope Benedict has joined international condemnation of the execution in Iraq of Egypt's top diplomat.

In a statement, the Pope said Ihab al-Sharif's killing was "barbaric" and "contrary to every human and religious sentiment."

Egypt's Sunni Muslim spiritual leader Sheikh Ali Gomaa today warned that the killers face "the wrath of God."

Iran, Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and Saudi Arabia have also condemned the killing.

Al-Qaeda's network in Iraq on 7 July said it had killed al-Sharif, five days after abducting him in Baghdad.

(AFP/dpa/Reuters)