POPE SHOUDA III LEADER OF THE COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH DIES

The following excerpt is from a U.S. State Department e-mail: 
On the Passing of Pope Shenouda III
Press Statement Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State Washington, DC
March 17, 2012
Today, Americans stand alongside Egyptians in offering our deepest condolences on the passing of Coptic Christian Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria, leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church for more than 40 years. Pope Shenouda III was a beloved leader of Egypt’s Coptic Christians and an advocate for national unity and religious cooperation. As we reflect on his life and legacy, we reaffirm our support to the future peace and prosperity of Egypt. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Egyptian people and all those who mourn Pope Shenouda III.