VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis is urging political and military leaders in Libya to end their hostilities and called on the international community to take “to heart” the plight of migrants trapped in the lawless nation.
During his weekly blessing overlooking St. Peter’s Square, the pontiff called for “an end to the violence” and a path toward “peace, stability and unity" in the country.
He says thousands of migrants, refugees, asylum-seekers and internally displaced people are “more vulnerable to forms of exploitation and violence.”
Libya has been in turmoil since 2011 when a civil war toppled the country's long-time dictator.
The country has since split between rival administrations in the east and west.
