Castelgandolfo, Italy, Sep 25, 2006 / 12:00 am (CNA).- Pope Benedict XVI praised the Christian witness of an Italian nun for pardoning her killers as she lay dying from an attack in Somalia.

Sr. Leonella Sgorbati, an Italian missionary who worked in a pediatrics hospital in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu, was shot by two gunmen on Sept. 17. Her bodyguard also was killed.

Benedict was speaking to pilgrims Sunday during a general audience at Castel Gandolfo about how disciples must live in witness to Christ.

"Some are asked to give the supreme testimony of blood, just as … Sr. Leonella Sgorbati, who fell victim to violence," the pontiff said.

"This sister, who for many years served the poor and the children in Somalia, died pronouncing the word 'forgive,'" the Pope said. "This is the most authentic Christian testimony, a peaceful sign of contradiction which shows the victory of love over hatred and evil."

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