The International Community Cannot Tolerate Such Grave Events,’ Pope at Angelus Appeals Following Libya Air Attack

Remembers Also Victims of Massacres Recently in Afghanistan, Mali, Burkina Faso & Niger

“The International Community cannot tolerate such grave events.”

Pope Francis made this appeal as he recalled a recent tragedy in the North African country of Libya that took place Tuesday, during his Sunday Angelus address today, July 7, 2019.

According to the UN, the air strikes on the Tajoura center, near the country’s capital of Tripoli, are believed to have claimed at least 53 migrants’ lives and injured another 130, reported BBC. The air strikes–Michelle Bachelet, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has suggested–could constitute a war crime.

“Even though several days have passed,” Francis said, “I invite you to pray for the poor helpless people killed or wounded in the air attack that struck a migrants’ detention center in Libya.”

“The International Community cannot tolerate such grave events,” the Pope appealed, noting: “I pray for the victims.”

The Holy Father prayed “the God of Peace take the deceased to Himself and sustain the wounded,” expressing his hope that “humanitarian corridors for the neediest migrants are organized in an extended and concerted way.”

Noting he also was remembering the victims of the massacres carried out recently in Afghanistan, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, Francis urged, “Let us pray together,” calling for a moment of silence.

After the dramatic appeal, Francis greeted various groups present, including the students of the Saint Ignatius School of Cleveland, in the United States.

Pope Francis’ Angelus address before the midday prayer recalled today’s Sunday Gospel according to Luke, and on our mission as Christians to proclaim the Gospel to all people. “Let us invoke,” Pope Francis prayed, “the maternal protection of Mary Most Holy, that She may sustain the Mission of Christ’s disciples everywhere; the mission to proclaim to all that God loves us, He wants to save us and calls us to form part of His Kingdom.”

The Holy Father wished everyone a good Sunday, lunch, and reminded them to pray for him.

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source: Zenit.