Note from the Holy See Press Office - The Holy See and Libya after the death
of Col. Gadaffi
The news of the death of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi marks
the end of a much too long and tragic phase of a brutal struggle to bring down a harsh
and oppressive regime.
This dramatic event obliges us yet again to reflect
on the immense toll of human suffering which accompanies the affirmation and collapse
of any system which is not based on the respect and dignity of the human person, but
rather on the prevailing affirmation of power.
It is hoped now that the Libyan
people might be spared further violence due to a spirit of revenge, and that the new
leaders can undertake as soon possible efforts necessary for bringing peace and rebuilding
in a spirit of solidarity, based on justice and the rule of law. May the international
community also be committed to generously helping in the rebuilding of the nation.
For its own part, the small Catholic community will continue to offer its
own witness and service to all people, especially in the charitable and health fields.
The Holy See will assist the Libyan people with the instruments available to it in
the field of international relations with a spirit of promoting justice and peace.
In
this regard, it is necessary to keep in mind that it is a constant practice that when
the Holy See establishes diplomatic relations, it recognizes States and not Governments.
For this reason the Holy See has not proceeded in establishing a formal recognition
of the National Transitional Council (CNT) as the government of Libya. Given that
the CNT is now acting effectively as the government in Tripoli, the Holy See considers
it the legitimate representative of the Libyan people, in conformity with international
law.
The Holy See has already had contacts with the new Libyan authorities.
Firstly, the Secretariat of State, which has the responsibility for the diplomatic
relations of the Holy See, has been in contact with the Libyan Embassy to the Holy
See following the political changes in Tripoli. During his recent participation at
the General Assembly of the United Nations, the Secretary for Relations with States,
H.E. Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, had the opportunity to speak to the Permanent
Representative of Libya to the United Nations, Mr Abdurrahman M. Shalgham. More recently,
the Apostolic Nuncio in Libya, H.E. Archbishop Tommaso Caputo, who is based in Malta,
travelled to Tripoli for a three-day visit (from 2-4 October) in which he met the
Prime Minister of the CNT, Dr Mahmoud Jibril. Archbishop Caputo was also received
by the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
During these various meetings the importance
of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Libya was affirmed by both sides.
The Holy See renewed its support for the Libyan people and for the transition. The
Holy See wished the new authorities every success in their rebuilding the country.
On their own behalf, the leaders of the new Libya expressed their appreciation for
the Holy Father’s humanitarian appeals and the efforts of the Church in Libya through
its services in hospitals and help centers run by 13 religious communities (6 in Tripolitania
and 7 in Cirenaica).