Presidential Palace, Kabul – H.E. Hamid Karzai, President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is deeply saddened by the death of His Holiness Pope John Paul II.

In his reaction to the news, the President said: "I am deeply saddened to hear this news. I and the Afghan people value the tremendous contribution that His Holiness Pope John Paul II has made to peace, tolerance and inter-faith understanding across the world. We remember that during the years of Afghanistan's occupation by the Soviet Union, the Pope raised his voice of support to the Afghan people. He also urged the Afghan people to build peace during the dark years of factional conflict and interference in Afghanistan".

"The Pope was a religious leader for the Catholics, but he was also a man with concern for all human beings, working for harmony among religions and cultures. Today, I am joined by the Afghan people in presenting our heartfelt con olences to the Catholics around the world".