"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," the Vatican said just hours after Gaddafi was gunned down yesterday by rebel forces near his hometown of Sirte.
"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."
The statement expresses hope that the end of the Gaddafi regime might bring about a peaceful new beginning for the county and not be a time for further violence "due to a spirit of revenge."
It urged new leaders to undertake as soon possible whatever efforts are necessary to restore peace and rebuild a society based on justice and the rule of law, and called for the international community to aid Libya in this mission.
"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."
The statement also stated that the Vatican considers the National Transitional Council (CNT) to be acting effectively as the government in Tripoli and will now recognize it as the legitimate representative of the Libyan people, in conformity with international law.
The Holy See has had contact with the new Libyan authorities on several occasions recently, including a visit of the apostolic nuncio to Libya, Archbishop Tommaso Caputo, who made a three-day visit to Tripoli earlier this month. During this time, he met with Mahmoud Jibril, prime minister of the CNT.
During these various meetings the importance of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Libya was affirmed by both sides, the Vatican said. The leaders of the new Libya also expressed their appreciation for the Holy Father's humanitarian appeals and services provided by 13 religious orders that run a total of 11 hospitals and help centers in the country.
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