Vatican City, Mar 20, 2011 / 12:58 pm
Responding to the widening military conflict, Pope Benedict XVI has prayed for a “horizon of peace and harmony” to arise in Libya. He also assured the people of Libya of his “heartfelt closeness.”
“The disturbing news coming from Libya has awakened in me fear and trepidation,” Pope Benedict told the faithful in St. Peter’s Square after the traditional Sunday Angelus prayers. He reported that he had offered a “special prayer” about the state of affairs in Libya during his Lenten spiritual exercises last week.
The pontiff called on those in positions of military and political responsibility to have at heart the safety and security of citizens and to ensure access to humanitarian aid.
“I pray for those involved in the dramatic situation in that country,” the Pope said.