"In the current conflict in Libya, may diplomacy and dialogue take the place of arms and may those who suffer as a result of the conflict be given access to humanitarian aid," the pope said in his traditional Easter message.
"That the light of peace and of human dignity may overcome the darkness of division, hate and violence" in the Middle East, he added in the message known as "Urbi et Orbi" (To the City and the World).
Addressing tens of thousands of pilgrims gathered in a sun-drenched St Peter`s Square and millions watching on television worldwide, the pope added: "In the countries of northern Africa and the Middle East, may all citizens, especially young people, work to promote the common good."
He urged them "to build a society where poverty is defeated and every political choice is inspired by respect for the human person."
The pope had already issued a "heartfelt appeal" on March 27 for dialogue towards a ceasefire and for the "support of even the weakest signal of openness and of willingness for reconciliation" in Libya.
Massive Libyan protests in February -- inspired by the revolts that toppled long-time autocrats in Egypt and Tunisia -- escalated into war when Moamer Kadhafi`s troops fired on demonstrators and protesters seized several eastern towns.
The battle lines have been more or less static in recent weeks, however, as NATO air strikes have helped block Kadhafi`s eastward advance but failed to give the poorly organised and outgunned rebels a decisive victory.
Meanwhile fledgling democracies in Egypt and Tunisia are having teething problems, while Yemen appeared poised for a peaceful transfer of power but Syria was in the throes of a deadly crackdown on massive demonstrations.(*)
(U.KR-BPY/B002)
Editor: Ruslan Burhani
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
