• Fishermen kidnapped in Libya: the phone call with families

  • Two Mazara del Vallo fishing boats seized by the Libyan authorities

Share

November 20, 2020 "On this World Fishing Day, my thoughts go to fishermen from all over the world who experience hardships and difficulties. I would like to mention, in particular, the eighteen fishermen of different nationalities from Mazara del Vallo, in Sicily, who are detained in Libya since September 2, without the possibility of communicating with their families ".

This was stated by Cardinal Peter Turkson, prefect of the Vatican dicastery for integral human development, in his message for World Fishing Day.



"These - he continues - continue to look forward to information about their loved ones and the opportunity to speak with them. But, above all, they are impatient to reunite".

"For this simple humanitarian reason - adds the head of the Vatican dicastery -, I appeal to the Governments and the competent national authorities to resolve this painful situation and find a positive solution through an open and sincere dialogue".



In recent weeks, the Church has repeatedly expressed closeness to fishermen and their families.

On October 19, Pope Francis himself spoke on their behalf during the Angelus.

Two days later, Bergoglio had always received family members in audience.