Catholic Culture 

Christians must rise to the challenge of Islam, says Italian cardinal

The murder of Bishop Luigi Padovese in Turkey is a reminder of the dangers facing Christians in Turkey and elsewhere in Europe, said Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi at a Mass for the slain prelate in his native Milan.

Cardinal Tettamanzi said that Italian Catholics need “to heed the cry—or better, the lament” from Turkey after the death of Bishop Padovese. The man who has confessed to the killing of the bishop, a driver who was placed in the bishop’s service by Turkish security officials, shouted “Allah akbar” after the assault, giving rise to the belief that the killing was arranged by Islamic extremists.

While Christians in Turkey face the fear of radical Islam, Cardinal Tettamanzi suggested that Italian Catholics must confront the same challenge, with “growing awareness of our Christian identity, and bear witness without fear, always and everywhere.”

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