Muslim community condemns killing of nun

The Maltese Muslim community has expressed "sorrow and concern" at the "tragic and shocking" murder of an Italian nun in Somalia earlier this month.

In a statement, the community said: "This crime doesn't only target the respected nun but it targets the religion of Islam and the reputation of Muslims, because it goes against the Islamic values of tolerance, sanctity of the human life and respect for all faiths".

It pointed out that Prophet Mohammed had said that he would be the opponent in judgment day of whoever harms a Christian or a Jew.

"While the Maltese Muslim community condemns the killing of the revered nun, it hopes that the Somali authorities will bring the perpetrators to justice.

"The Maltese Muslim community, on this regretted event, offers its sincere condolences to the Vatican, the Italian people, the Catholic Church, the family of Sister Leonella Sgorbati and all those who loved her."

It also said it regretted that her death coincided with the recent comments made by Pope Benedict XVI which sparked outrage among Muslims and expressed the hope that "this heinous crime" was no more than an individual and isolated event which would not have negative consequences on "good Islamic-Christian relations".

The community said it condemned any attack against Christians and their property, saying it considered such attacks as aggressive acts against Islam and Muslims.

"While the Maltese Muslim community welcomes the Pope's deep regret for the misunderstanding and reactions following his recent speech about Islam, it hopes that this unfortunate current crisis comes to an end as soon as possible and that friendly relations between Muslims and Christians returns to normal."

The community also said it regretted any unfounded or indecent comments against the Pope and Catholic Church, which the Muslims "highly respect".