VATICAN CITY (AP) " Pope Francis on Sunday urged 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 said 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 long-time dictator Moammar Gadhafi, who was later killed. After Gadhafi's fall and killing, Libya also emerged as a major transit point for African and Arab migrants fleeing war and poverty to Europe.

Source: Libya Today June 14, 2020 11:48 UTC