Gunmen have shot and killed a Roman Catholic nun and her bodyguard at the hospital where she worked in Islamist-controlled Mogadishu, Somalia.
Some witnesses to the Sunday shooting said they feared the attack was linked to Muslim anger toward Pope Benedict.
Two men with pistols attacked the nun, Sister Leonella Sgorbati, after she finished teaching a medical school class at the hospital in southern Mogadishu.
Officials say one suspect was arrested.
In Rome, a Vatican spokesman deplored the attack and said he hoped it was an isolated event, and not irrationality arising from comments made by the Pope which angered some Muslims.
Authorities in Mogadishu have not determined a motive for the shooting.
The pope has said he meant no offense to Muslims when he quoted a 14 century Byzantine emperor as saying some teachings of the Prophet Muhammed brought evil to the world.