Fr. Andrea Santoro was killed by a Turkish teenager troubled by psychological issues.  There is much to consider in the wake of the now infamous Danish cartoon that so many Muslims took as insult.  Was the comic proper?  Was it freedom of speech and press?  Was the comic meant to insult all Muslims?  Was the killing of Fr. Santoro intentional?  Should he be martyred for possibly being a target for revenge?  I have none of these answers, but I do know one thing after reading the following interview from the National Catholic Reporter: the killing of Fr. Santoro is tragic from all aspects and forgiveness, as well as redemption, are qualities bridging both faiths, Christian and Muslim.

Here’s an English translation of an interview with Hikmet Akdin, 58, the father of 16-year-old Ouzhan Akdin, which appeared in the Feb. 12 Corriere della Sera.

Q: Your son shot Fr. Andrea while he was praying in church. He shouted, “Allahu akhbar,” “God is great,” and he said that he was upset by the cartoons about Muhammad published in Europe. Why do you rule out a religious motive?

Akdin: Because my son is a child. He’s only 16. He’s said a lot of things, many of them contradictory. He’s been under psychiatric care for a couple of years and takes medicine, because his head doesn’t always help him. It’s not true that he’s in contact with Islamic radicals, and it’s not true that he took orders from anyone to kill Fr. Andrea.

Then how did it happen?

Exactly how it happened only he knows, and he will explain it to the court. I know that his mind is confused. I’m separated, and he lives with his mother. The night of the murder he was at home with her. The television said that the priest of Trabzon had been killed, and all of a sudden he said, “Mom, I killed him.” She said, “Don’t say that, even as a joke.” But he insisted, “I’m not joking, it was me.”

When did you realize he was serious?

We never did, because we didn’t believe him. His mother called me and I went over. We were sure that it was one of his fantasies. We were arguing because he didn’t want to admit it was all a stupid joke. Then the police knocked at the door …

Have you seen him since?

Yes, a brief conversation at the prison. We spoke over a telephone, in front of glass. We didn’t say very much because the emotion was too strong and I couldn’t hold back my tears. I thought about him in his cell. He’s afraid of the dark, and at home he sleeps with a nightlight. Now what will he do?

Did he ask for something?

Yes, a science magazine and a math book. He’s always been fascinated with math. He was in the first year at the Fatih school [a school for science], he is a very good student. His dream is to become a scientist and work on genetics.

Is he a heavy user of the Internet?

Since a few months ago. He was always a good Muslim, but since he started going to the Aktif Internet Café he didn’t pray anymore. He’s a good chess player, but lately he played on the computer, and chose war games.

Your son shot Fr. Andrea with a Glock. It’s an expensive weapon, and hard to come by, even for experienced criminals.

I don’t know where he got that pistol, but if you Westerners knew Trabzon like we do, you’d know that to get a gun, even one like that, all you have to do is ask on the street.

The youths who live near the Church of St. Mary say that Ouzhan received money from Fr. Andrea.

My son didn’t need money. I always gave him plenty. Even if we’re not exactly rich, we’re lucky, believe me.

Fr. Andrea’s mother said she has forgiven Ouzhan “with all her heart.”

I know, and ever since I heard those words I have a desire in my heart. I want to save enough money to go to Italy and kiss that woman’s hands as a sign of gratitude. Please tell her how much I appreciate her goodness, which has touched me. I want to embrace her. She’s a courageous woman, and I’m sure is an excellent mother. I’ll kiss her hands, if it’s the last act of my life.