Scottish Catholic Observer

Pope Benedict XVI has issued an urgent appeal to military and political leaders to consider the safety of Libyan civilians and ensure they have access to emergency aid in his first comments on the British, American and French military assault on Libya.

Last Sunday the Holy Father directed his appeal to ‘those who have the political and military responsibility to take to heart the safety and security of citizens and guarantee that they have access to humanitarian aid.’

Worrying developments

The Pope said ‘the worrying news from Libya’ had caused him ‘deep trepidation and fear’ and he kept ‘the North African country’s people in his prayers’ during his recent Lenten retreat.

“In recent days the disturbing news coming from Libya has awakened in me fear and trepidation,” he said. “I prayed especially to the Lord about it during the week of the Spiritual Exercises. I am following the latest developments with great concern, I pray for those involved in the dramatic situation in that country and make an urgent appeal to all political and military leaders, that they may have at heart, above all, the safety and security of their citizens and that they may ensure access to humanitarian relief.

“To the people I want to assure my heartfelt closeness, and I ask God that a horizon of peace and harmony may arise as soon as possible on Libya and the entire North African region.”

Cardinal Keith O’Brien echoed the Pope’s concerns this week.

“I think the events in Libya will cause all Christians to pause and think and hopefully to pray at this present time for a positive, peaceful solution to what is going on there,” he said.

Air strikes

Over the past week US, British and French military have launched strikes against Libya’s air defences and military forces  in a UN-approved effort to protect pro-democracy protesters from retaliation by Colonel Gaddafi. Two weeks ago, the Pope lamented the deaths and humanitarian crisis caused by the fighting between the Libyan leader’s forces and rebels.

The Vatican has refrained from offering strong comment on the Libyan situation. After the UN Security Council authorised military force to halt Colonel Gaddafi’s crackdown: the Vatican newspaper reported on the developments matter-of-factly, without commentary. Eight years ago, in the run-up to the Iraq war, Pope John Paul II voiced emphatic opposition to UN-led military action and sent an envoy to Washington to try to avert it.

Dissent

Last Sunday Avvenire, the influential newspaper of the Italian Catholic bishops’ conference, said the Libyan ‘war’ was necessary and justified, ‘animated by the noble motives of humanitarian intervention.’

However, the Apostolic Vicar of Tripoli has said he is opposed to foreign military intervention.

Bishop Giovanni Innocenzo Martinelli said: “War does not solve anything. I don’t know how this new war will finish that is reawakening sad memories about the Libyans’ recent history.

“I keep repeating that we need to cease shooting immediately and begin mediation straight away to resolve the crisis peacefully. Why have diplomatic means not been considered?”

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