Pope appeals for safe passage for
refugees from Libyan detention centers
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| Migrantsare seen at the Anti-Illegal Immigration Agency in al-Nasr detention centre in Zawiya, west of Tripoli |
During the Regina Coeli prayer in St. Peter’s Square Pope
Francis expressed his concern for the predicament of migrants and refugees held
in detention centers in Libya.
By Linda Bordoni
Pope Francis has asked for prayers for
vulnerable refugees trapped detention centers in Libya, where
conflict is raging.
Addressing the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square for
the Regina Coeli prayer, the Pope said the situation of
the refugees, “which is already very serious, has become even more dangerous
due to the ongoing conflict”.
He appealed for the evacuation, especially of the women, the
children and the sick, as soon as possible, through the safety of humanitarian
corridors.
The conflict in Libya
As troops loyal to Libya’s internationally recognized
government prepare to launch a counteroffensive on the forces of renegade
commander Khalifa Haftar, scores of refugees and migrants are reportedly
taken from detention centers, and forced to assist militants aligned with the
UN-backed Tripoli government.
The Interior Minister told journalists on Saturday that
within three days or so there will be a full scale attack to repel the renegade
forces from the entire western region.
The announcement came as the UN expressed concern over
reports of indiscriminate shelling in populated areas. It is esteemed that over
220 people have been killed.
The International Organization for Migration said 39,000
people were displaced by fighting along the capital's southern districts.
Libyan National Army forces, loyal to Khalifa Haftar, and
which are allied to a parallel government in the east, started an offensive
three week ago to take the capital held by the internationally recognised
government.
Pope Francis called for an end to the bloodshed in Libya during his Urbi et Orbi address on Easter Day.
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