From The Church Times-
CHURCHES and Christian groups in Libya and Egypt are struggling to cope with the humanitarian challenges presented by the turmoil in the two countries (News, Comment, 25 February).
Many hundreds of foreigners in Libya, where the army has tried to sup press the widespread popular re volt, have sought refuge in Roman Catholic churches in Tripoli and Benghazi. A large number of those seeking help are migrants from other African countries who were hoping eventually to reach Italy or other EU states.
The RC Apostolic Vicar of Tripoli, Bishop Giovanni Innocenzo Mar tinelli, said that the main concern was for “hundreds of Eritreans who are stranded here and no one cares for their evacuation. We are appealing to all to help these people.” Italy agreed to take 54 of the stranded Eritreans, and there were scuffles at Tripoli air port when dozens of others tried to reach the plane taking them to Rome.
Bishop Martinelli said that he had “entered contact with the Red Crescent and other Muslim organisations to appeal for protection of our churches, of the convents, of our faithful, and of the sisters who work in the hospitals”.
Fr Daniel Farrugia, of St Francis of Assisi’s, in Tripoli, stressed that he and his colleagues had no intention of leaving: “We feel we belong here with our Sisters who are giving their ser vices in social centres. Their work is so much appreciated by the Libyans.”
More here-
http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/content.asp?id=108963
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