Christmas a sign of peace in Libya still at war

(December 23, 2011) According to the head of the Catholic Church in Libya Christmas is the opportunity to bring the message of peace to the tormented land, a peace which must be witnessed in daily life, through action and prayer. Vicar Apostolic of Tripoli, Bishop Giovanni Innocenzo Martinelli shared his thoughts on Christmas with AsiaNews agency. He was to visit the Filipino Catholic community of Misurata on Friday. The community, made up of mainly nurses and doctors, is among the few foreigners who remained in Libya for the entire period of the war. Bishop Martinelli, said that after the death of Muammar Gaddafi, the situation has improved, but lamented that revenge attacks still continue between the rebels and the Gaddafi loyalists. The bishop explained that for safety reasons, the Christmas celebrations in Tripoli will take place in the late afternoon. He said tht many Christians participated in Advent celebrations despite the fear.