Head of the Roman Catholic church, Pope Francis on Sunday appealed for an end to the civil war taking place in Libya.

Warring factions continue to battle for control of the country since the overthrow and death of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

Pope Francis appealed to both warring sides to seek peace and end the fighting that has led to the death of many and displaced thousands.

The Pope was speaking at the St. Peter’s Square, where he took special interest in the Libyan crisis.

“Please! I urge international bodies and those who have political and military responsibilities to restart, with conviction and resolve, the search for a path towards an end to violence, leading to peace, stability and unity in the country,” Francis said.

The Pope said the the plights of refugees and asylum seekers has also been worsened by the coronavirus pandemic.

“There is cruelty. I call on the international community – Please! – to take their plight to heart … Brothers and sisters, we all have responsibility in this. No-one can consider themselves dispensed from this,” he said.

On Saturday Egypt announced a new initiative for Libya with warring sides receiving support from European countries.

Libya is divided between the Libyan National Army (LNA) and the rival Government of National Accord (GNA).

Both sides have failed on several occasions to resolve their differences and end the war