Libya: Pope Francis calls for constructive dialogue, national reconciliation

Pope Francis Sunday called for new and convincing solutions to the issue plaguing Libya with the help of the international community, through constructive dialogue and national reconciliation, reports say.

The head of Catholic Church was speaking from St. Peter’s square for his Sunday Angelus message. He expressed solidarity with the people of Libya, Ukraine and Sri Lanka who he said “continue to suffer from political and economic instability”.

Speaking to Libyans, he mostly addressed youth and all those who are suffering because of the serious social and economic problems in the country.

The oil-rich African country has two rival governments respectively based in Tripoli and Sirte and backed by foreign countries vying for influence.

The country has slid into chaos following the removal and assassination of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in NATO-backed revolution in 2011.

UN-brokered presidential elections scheduled for December 24 last year failed to take place over divisions.