VATICAN: POPE: APPEALS FOR AID FOR LIBYA

RADIO VATICANA REPORT: Pope Benedict XVI appeals for people of Libya



Pope Benedict XVI made an appeal for the people of Libya this Sunday, calling on those in “positions of military and political responsibility,” to have – above all – the well being of the citizenry at heart, calling for a speedy end to hostilities and for those in power to guarantee the arrival of humanitarian aid while they continue.

Speaking at the traditional Sunday Angelus prayer with the faithful in St Peter’s Square, the Holy Father said the disturbing news coming from Libya has awakened in me fear and trepidation, and that he prayed about the situation during the past week of Spiritual Exercises.

The Pope went on to say that he is following developments with great concern, and continues to pray for all those involved, before offering assurances to the Libyan people of what he described as his heartfelt closeness, and imploring God, that a horizon of peace and harmony may arise as soon as possible on Libya and the entire North African region.”

The Angelus followed a Mass of Dedication for the newly-built Roman parish church of San Corbiniano – St. Corbinian – the first bishop of Freising, in Bavaria, the diocese now joined with Munich, of which the man who was baptized Joseph Ratzinger served four years as archbishop.

In his homily, Pope Benedict said, “One who would know God, must contemplate the transfigured visage of Jesus Christ,” who is the perfect revelation of the holiness and mercy of God.

The Holy Father also urged the faithful of the parish to grow in knowledge and love of Christ, to meet him in the Eucharist, in attention to his Word, in prayer and in charity.

The Church desires to be present wherever people live and work, through the consistent Gospel witness of faithful Christians, and also by way of buildings that make it possible to gather for prayer, sacraments, and formation, as well as establishing relations of friendship and brotherhood, “in the spirit of community that Christ taught us and that the world so greatly needs.”

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