Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Tripoli (Agenzia Fides) - More than 500 people were invited to a meeting with Colonel Gheddafi, leader of the Libyan Revolution, on December 29 to mark the Muslim Feast of Sacrifice and Christmas, Vicar Apostolic of Tripoli Bishop Giovanni Innocenzo Martinelli told Fides. The local Christian community of different denominations and nationalities with their clergy led by the Catholic Bishop, Libyan Muslims members of the People’s General Congress and various prominent religious and cultural figures were among those invited.
After various leaders of the People’s General Congress had addressed Colonel Gheddafi and welcomed the participants, on behalf of all the Christians present Bishop Martinelli, thanked the head of state for the religious freedom guaranteed Christians of all nationalities all over Libya.
For his part Colonel Gheddafi said the message of both the Muslim faith and the Christian faith calls both communities to engage in authentic dialogue to help present day society rediscover a sense of God, respect for the rights of the person and address the issues of poverty and peace.
Bishop Martinelli said the Colonel gave an interesting meditation on a few of the Gospel Beatitudes … including “blessed are the pure in heart because they will see God”- which was appreciated by all the Christians present. Colonel Gheddafi said man today is filled with materialism and egoism which prevent him from contemplating the face of God and from illuminating the history and events of our times”.
“Our impression was that Col. Gheddafi’s arrange the meeting to offer the Muslim and Christian communities of Tripoli an experience of friendship and brotherhood in the context of the respective celebrations of the Feast of the Sacrifice and Christmas, highlighting the depth of the message of both faiths which calls for mutual respect” the Vicar Apostolic concluded. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 15/1/2007 righe 25 parole 312)
