The Prince of Wales has sent a letter condemning the "diabolical evil" behind the "barbaric persecution" of Christians and members of other faiths in Iraq.

In a letter to Archbishop Louis Sako, Baghdad-based Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church, Prince Charles describes his "fervent hope" that the sufferings can be overcome.

The signed letter, with the Clarence House letterhead, published on the website of the Chaldean church, was accompanied by a donation to Aid to the Church in Need, which the Prince described as a "very small token".

He wrote: "You can have no idea how heartbroken I am to hear of the truly unbearable and barbaric persecution suffered not only by Christians in Iraq but also by some of their neighbours of other faiths," he said.

"I wanted you to know above all that my heart goes out to all those whose lives have been shattered by this terrible conflict. Although words seem terribly inadequate at such an unimaginable time of suffering I did just want to offer, through you, my special prayers and profound sympathy to all members of the Chaldean Catholic Church in Iraq.

"I also wanted, if I may, to say how much I admire everything you are doing to provide both material and spiritual support to those in the greatest need in these desperate times...

"It is my fervent hope and prayer that the leadership and the actions of the people of goodwill such as yourself and your brothers and sisters will help overcome the diabolic evil that has wrought this terrible suffering and thus allow peace to return to the cradle of civilisation."

There are about 500,000 Chaldean Catholics, mainly from northern Iraq and surrounding areas.

In his response, Patriarch Sako says the community was "very much moved" by his gesture. He writes: "Our Christian community in Iraq has endured massacres, atrocities and other human rights abuses by the terrorist group calling itself the Islamic State, for the reason of their faith. We consider it a kind of genocide and are deeply concerned."

He asks the Prince of Wales to "encourage" the international community to "preserve the lives and dignity" of the huge numbers affected.

Clarence House does not comment on private correspondence.