Vatican City, Jan 23, 2005 / 22:00 pm
Following the news of the death of the Italian warrant officer Simone Cola in Nasiriya, Iraq, Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano, in the Pope's name, sent a letter of condolence to Bishop Salvatore Boccaccio of Frosinone-Veroli-Ferentino, Italy.
Given below is the text of the telegram.
"Having learned the tragic news of the death of warrant officer Simone Cola, killed in Nasiriya, the Supreme Pontiff wishes to express, to the parents and relatives all, his heartfelt condolences for such a grievous loss to the community and the entire country.
"While giving assurances of his fervent prayers for the young victim, who fell while on a mission of peace, His Holiness invokes heavenly consolation upon all those weeping such a dramatic death, especially his wife Alessandra, and daughter Giorgia, and imparts the comfort of an apostolic blessing."