Maltese bishop to Benghazi Sylvester Magro – who was in Malta last week before he took off for a Rome Episcopal conference - told this newsroom that the Pope expressed solidarity towards N. African nations and called for reconciliation.

He said that during the Episcopal conference for North African Bishops (CERNA), no decisions were taken, but discussions on the unfolding situation were held. 

Pope Francis praised Libya’s Catholics for not abandoning their country, despite the ongoing conflict. He did so during the audience with members of the Episcopal conference who are currently on a visit to the Vatican.

The Pontiff addressed prelates of Libya, Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria, expressing his appreciation at the fact that a number of Christian sanctuaries were restored in Algeria. Pope Francis emphasised the “joy” that comes with “welcoming new disciples” and encouraged Christians to support migrants who leave Africa for Europe.

This newsroom asked Mgr Magro whether the issue of Italy being a target of the Islamic State was raised, and he replied in the negative. Reportedly, the commander of the Vatican gendarmes said the security services have no knowledge of a planned attack but acknowledged that ISIS represents a real threat to Pope Francis and the Vatican.

 

In an interview with this newsroom last week, Fr Magro insisted that his plan is to return to Libya, despite the escalating situation, to tend to his flock in Benghazi. He said that the only thing which will hold him back is if the airports in Libya close down.