Gadhafi's death ends 'harsh and oppressive regime'

Published: 30 October 2011

VATICAN CITY (CNS): The Holy See said the death of former Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi marked the end of a "harsh and oppressive regime" that was based on power instead of human dignity.

It expressed hope that the bloodshed would end in the North African country, and that the new Libyan government would open a rebuilding phase based on "a spirit of inclusion" and social justice.

The statement was issued by the Vatican press office late on October 20, several hours after Gadhafi was reported killed in his coastal hometown of Sirte, where he had been barricaded with loyalist troops.

His death came after months of bloody civil strife and NATO airstrikes in support of Libyan rebels.

The Vatican said the Libyan conflict had been "too long and tragic" and should prompt reflection on the "cost of immense human suffering" that accompanies the collapse of systems not founded on respect for human rights.

It encouraged the new Libyan government to try to prevent further violence caused by a spirit of revenge and to begin a program of pacification. The international community, it said, should provide generous aid toward the reconstruction of the country.

For its part, the minority Catholic community in Libya will continue to offer "its witness and its unselfish service, especially in the areas of charity and health care", it said.

The Holy See said it would work in favour of the Libyan people in the international diplomatic arena.

The statement said the Holy See considered the transitional government as the legitimate representative of the Libyan people.

The Holy See, it said, has already had various contacts with the new authorities in Libya, through the Libyan Embassy to the Vatican, at the United Nations and in Libya.