Imam Gamal Fouda spoke out after two beheadings and the murders of three people at a Catholic church in Nice.

The attacks are abhorrent and contradict "the tolerant teachings of Islam and all good human values," he says.

"I condemn and denounce these heinous crimes, regardless of their perpetrator's motives or goals."

Hate speech, including towards Muslims, is wrong, he says. It's important to separate Islam and Muslims from the criminal acts.

Fouda who survived the March 15, 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings, is outspoken against extremism.

In the first Friday prayer in Hagley Park after the mass killings, he said:

"The terrorist tried to tear the nation apart with evil ideology but instead we have shown that New Zealand is unbreakable."

"We are broken hearted but we are not broken."

France's President Emmanuel Macron is continuing to work on ridding France of Islamic extremism. This work is part of a project he labels "separatism".

French Muslims have reportedly felt stigmatised by terror attacks and under pressure.

Fouda is also calling on President Macron and his government, and "everyone who offends Islam and the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him, or any religion," to respect Islam.

We should do this just "as we must respect all beliefs without discrimination or racism against anyone," he says.

"This is the simplest principle of mutual respect between human beings."

"I also call on everyone to stand against extremism and I invite the French government and people to take a lesson from what happened in Christchurch, New Zealand after the terrorist attack on the two mosques on March 15, 2019 where the citizens and the government all united together against violence and declared that the principle of love will win against hatred."

At the same time, the Christchurch imam is calling on Muslims, especially those living in Western countries, to "combat any tendency towards extremism."

"I reiterate that terrorism has no religion, and all Muslims are called to reject this criminal act that is not related to Islam or to the Prophet of love and mercy," he says.

"All forms of violence and terror targeting anyone aim to destabilise security and stability and are inconsistent with all religious and human values and principles."

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• NZ Herald
• Image: Stuff

Holding his in the library of the Apostolic Palace, the pope described the violence in Nice and Vienna as "deplorable acts that aim to compromise fraternal collaboration between religions".

He called for prayers of those who suffered and died in the terror attacks that he said was "an escalation of cruelty".

"In these days in which we pray for the deceased, let us remember the helpless victims of terrorism that has led to an escalation of cruelty that is spreading in Europe", Francis said.

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He is asking the Lord to bring them comfort and he commends the victims to God's mercy.

The attack, one of two at churches in France last week was attributed to Muslim extremists. It resulted in the cathedral's custodian and two women being attacked and killed with a knife.

"It's a moment of pain, in a time of confusion," said Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni in a message from Francis for the French people.

"Terrorism and violence must never be tolerated. Today's attack sowed death in a place of love and consolations, such as the house of the Lord," the message says.

He also calls for unity in France's Catholic community and among all the French people. He tells them he is entrusting France to the protection of Our Lady.

He "wholeheartedly gives the Apostolic Blessing to all those affected by this tragedy", his statement continues, and is "close to the grieving Catholic community,".

The pope is praying for families, loved ones and victims "so that the violence will cease, and they may return to see each other as brothers and sisters and not enemies so that the beloved French people may respond united for good against evil."

World leaders and governments have issued statements denouncing the Nice attack.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK is standing "steadfastly with France against terror and intolerance" and condemned the incident as "a barbaric attack".

The Turkish Foreign Ministry said "No reason could legitimize or excuse killing someone or violence. Those who conducted this savage attack at a sacred place of worship do not clearly share any religious, humane or moral values."

The President of the European Council Charles Michel said he "stands in solidarity" with the French people.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel was among a number of heads of state condemning the attack. "Germany stands with France at this difficult time," she said.

Saudi Arabia, which witnessed an attack on a guard at the French Consulate in Jiddah on Thursday, also condemned the knife attack at the Notre Dame Basilica in Nice and offered condolences for victims.

Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri said "Terrorism has no religion, and all Muslims are called on to reject this criminal act that is not related to Islam or to the prophet of love," he said.

Qatar offered its "strong condemnation and denunciation" of the attack in France with its Foreign Affairs Ministry reiterating "Qatar's firm position on rejecting violence and terrorism, regardless of the motives and reason."

The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also among those offering support , saying he condemned the "heinous attack" and offered his condolences to the families of the victims.

In another attack at a French church last week, a Greek Orthodox priest was shot and badly injured on Saturday in the French city of Lyon.

The reason for the shooting was unclear.

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• La Croix
• DW
• NCR Online
• Religion News
• CBC
• Image: Wall Street Journal