The head of China's Muslim society expressed on Monday his deep
anger over remarks made by Pope Benedict XVI on September 12, when
he cited the words of a Byzantine emperor who characterized some of
the teachings of Islam's Prophet Muhammad as "evil and
inhuman".
"In his speech, Benedict had insulted both Islam and the Prophet
Muhammad," said Chen Guangyuan, president of Islamic Association of
China in an exclusive interview with Xinhua.
"This has gravely hurt the feelings of the Muslims across the
world, including those from China," Chen said.
"Both the Islamic Association of China and Chinese Muslim would
here express their anger and condemnation over Benedict's words,"
he said.
"We strongly request Pope Benedict XVI to immediately take back
his words and apologize openly and in person," said the
president.
(Xinhua News Agency September 18, 2006)
