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)