MOGADISHU (Reuters) - The killing of an Italian Catholic nun in Mogadishu on Sunday may well be linked to anger among Muslims about Pope Benedict's recent remarks on Islam, a senior source among Somalia's Islamists said.
"There is a very high possibility the people who killed her were angered by the Catholic Pope's recent comments against Islam," the source told Reuters.
The source, however, offered no specific evidence to support that motive.
Gunmen shot and killed the nun, who worked at a children's hospital in north Mogadishu, and her bodyguard.
"After serious injuries, she died in the hospital treatment room. ... She was shot three times in the back," Dr Ali Mohamed Hassan, a physician at the hospital, told Reuters.
The attack occurred amid widespread Muslim anger over comments by Pope Benedict in a speech on Tuesday in Germany in which he quoted a 14th century emperor who said everything the Prophet Mohammed brought was evil "such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached."
The Pope's speech was construe d by many in the Muslim world as anti-Islamic. Churches have been attacked in the Palestinian territories over the weekend.
The Pope on Sunday said he was sorry his speech had sparked anger among Muslims and said his intention had been to start a dialogue
Shortly after finishing prayers
She came out with a big heart
She felt high in the summer air
But as she crossed the road
Towards the children's hospital
Sound of gun shots reverberated
Shells ricocheted in her ribs
A nun was shot at close range
She died as doctors treated her
Along with her a Somali died
He was her trustworthy bodyguard
In life there was loyalty between them
And in death they mixed their bloods
Whatever the motive may be
We strongly condemn the killings
And remember the duo with much love
It is so sad to hear alleged God believing people commit such Un Godly atrocities on all sides. God is love not hate. I get so tired of this hating in the name of God. Peace, love, blessings and gratitude for sharing. <Mikii>
This murder was a tragic event. Though I am not Catholic, I still hold nuns in high regard; they devote their lives, not only to God, but to the betterment of mankind in general. I think that some nuns may now reconsider helping the people of Somalia and that is a tragedy also, because the people of Somalia need all of the assistance they can get, especially that assistance that does not come with a high price tag. The other tragedy is that this, once again, labels Muslims as beasts which, of course, we know is just not true. A very few Muslims in this world, are making it very difficult on the rest. Somalia doesn't need this kind of press right now, it does not need to be associated with terrorism and it certainly can't afford to be labeled as ungrateful. Thank you for your words, Abdi-Noor, my they resonate more loudly than the story the press has delivered.
Take care,
Sherry
New Poetry by Abdi-Noor Haji Mohamed (Eagle Of Hope)
PI novel set in Manhattan during the 1980s when art galleries and model agencies were the two most glamorous businesses in the world. Dangerously well written.
Read Chapter 1 here: https://www.lit4u.com/art-and-beauty-chapter-1/
Literary Titan
"We walked in on a surreal scene. There are few words, if any, to accurately describe the abject horror..."
What Jeannie and Kevin McDonough saw was a wanted, multi-state serial killer about to take his next victim - their own daughter. W
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(((HUGS))), love and prayer, Karla.
Susan
Be blessed
Ch'erie
Sandie May Angel a.k.a. Sandie Angel :o(
Take care,
Sherry