Vatican City, Mar 3, 2011 / 03:56 am
Pope Benedict XVI met with the head of the United Nations' World Food Program on March 2, to discuss the humanitarian crisis that has emerged at the border between Tunisia and Libya.
“I was so moved that His Holiness asked for this briefing and expressed his concern for the innocent people trapped in this terrible tragedy,” said Josette Sheeran, Executive Director of the U.N. relief agency. She discussed the United Nations' response in Libya with the Pope, in the context of broader efforts to ensure adequate food availability in several politically conflicted Middle Eastern nations.
Tens of thousands of Libyans are fleeing the country and seeking to enter neighboring Tunisia. Libya's embattled leader, Colonel Moammar Gaddafi, has resorted to widespread violence against civilians in an effort to put down a full-scale revolt that began during protests in late February.
U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon said last week that U.N. officials “anticipate the situation to worsen,” noting that it was “crucial for humanitarian agencies to have access to the border regions.