Pope invited to visit Libya

Libya's new representative to the Vatican, Hussein Mustafa Fuad, extended an invitation to Pope John Paul II to visit Libya, conveying to him "the admiration" of the Libyan president.

The Pope did not reply to the invitation, but said he hoped Libya would be a place "fully involved in this sincere effort to build a better world," adding that "Muslims and Christians have many things in common as individuals and as believers and dialogue between them is built on their loyalty and commitment to the Almighty God."

The Pope reminded the Libyan envoy that the Catholic Church has always helped cultural, economic and social development in Libya and stressed determination to proceed this way.