Pope Benedict XVI called for a negotiated settlement in Libya and an end to bloodshed in Syria, where civil strife has left hundreds of people dead. Speaking at his noon blessing at the Vatican on May 15, the pope said he was following the conflict in Libya with “great concern” and was especially worried about the suffering of civilians. “I renew a pressing appeal that the way of negotiation and dialogue may prevail over violence,” the pope said. The highest church official in Libya, Bishop Giovanni Martinelli of Tripoli, again called for a cease-fire so that civilians could “catch their breath.” The pope said the situation in Syria required urgent efforts to find social harmony. “I ask God that there be no further shedding of blood in that country of great religions and great civilization,” he said. “I ask the authorities and all the citizens to spare no effort in seeking the common good and in accepting the legitimate aspirations for a future of peace and stability.”
Pope Calls for Peace in Libya and Syria
Show Comments (
)
Comments are automatically closed two weeks after an article's initial publication. See our comments policy for more.
The latest from america
The conclave that begins next Wednesday to elect a successor for Pope Francis is the first in 46 ½ years for which the Vatican hasn’t ordered a set of cassocks from the two best-known papal tailors.
Papabile: How do conclave watchers come up with their lists of the next pope—and should we trust them?
The people of God see the bishop of Rome as a teacher, but they also unquestionably see him as a father.
Since the death of Pope Francis, lists of his possible successors have proliferated on social media and in newspapers. Should you trust them?