U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama expressed sadness over the death of Pope Shenouda and described him as a prominent advocate of religious tolerance and dialogue.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also offered condolences to Egyptians over the demise of the pope, adding Washington reiterates support for the future and progress of Egypt.

In the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI of the Roman Catholic Church offered condolences to Egypt and said the Vatican prayed that the Lord would accept Pope Shenouda’s great soul and bestow mercy on him. [Māzin Hassān and Mustafá ‘Abd Allāh, al-Ahrām, March 19, p. 4] Read original text in Arabic