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History of the Catholic Church in Libya

Trípoli y Bengasi, Libia

Libya was the land of prosperous Christianity in the first centuries, with important bishopades and famous martyrs. After the Arab conquest, faith was almost completely extinguished and only revived with Italian colonization, to suffer new persecutions in the twenty-first century.

The origins: Cirene and early Christianity

The United Nations Cirene (now Eastern Libya) appears in the Acts of the Apostles (6,9; 11,20) as the place of origin of Christians who preached in Antioch. Tradition attributes to San Marcos the evangelization of Cyrene, although this tradition is less documented than that of Alexandria. Simon of Cyrenewho helped Jesus carry the cross (Mk 15: 21) is the oldest link between Libya and the Passion of Christ.

The era of martyrs (centuries III-IV)

Libya produced numerous martyrs in the Roman persecutions:

• Santa Tecla de Cirene: martyr under Diocletian.
• Los mártires de Leptis Magna: executed during the persecution of Valeriano (258).
• San Víctor de Cirene: Roman soldier martyred by su fe.

Los obispados de Leptis Magna, Sabratha, Oea (future Tripoli) and Cirene were active headquarters with flourishing communities.

The Fathers of the Libyan Church

Cirene gave the Church fundamental figures:

• Orígenes (185-253): born in Alexandria but of Libyan descent, one of the most influential Fathers.
• Sinesio de Cirene (373-414): Bishop of Ptolemaida, writer and philosopher.
• San Ciriaco: Bishop of Tripoli in the 6th century

The Arab conquest (643) and the disappearance of the Church

The Muslim conquest of Libya (643) was gradual. The local Church, already weakened by theological disputes (monophysism vs. calcedonism), was gradually disappearing. By the 12th century, the Christian presence in Libya was a witness. Unlike Egypt, where the Coptic Church survived, in Libya the Christian community almost completely disappeared.

The Italian colonization (1911-1943)

The Italian conquest of Libya (1911) brought back the Catholic presence:

• Churches were built in Triples, Bengasi and other cities.
• Franciscan, capuchin and Jesuits missionaries arrived.
• Catholic schools and hospitals were established.
• The Italian Catholic community reached about 40,000 members in the 1930s.

La era Gaddafi (1969-2011)

After the coup d & apos; état of Muammar Gaddafi (1969), the situation of Christians changed dramatically:

• Nationalization of ecclesiastical properties.
• Expulsion of missionaries.
• Prohibition of new conversions.
• Italian Catholics were gradually expelled.
• The cathedral of Tripoli was converted into a mosque.

However, Gaddafi discreetly tolerated the presence of chaplains for foreign workers.

Libya post-Gaddafi (2011- current)

After the fall of Gaddafi and the civil war, the situation of Christians deteriorated seriously:

• Attacks on churchesMany churches were looted, burned or demolished by Islamist militias.
• KidnappingChristian workers (Filipinos, sub-Saharan Africans) were abducted and killed.
• The 21 Coptic Martyrs (February 2015): beheaded by the Islamic State on a beach in Sirte.
• The few remaining priests and religious exercise their ministry under extreme conditions.

The Catholic Church in Libya today

The current Catholic community is small and consists mostly of foreign workers (Filipinos, Indians, sub-Saharan Africans). The diócesis de Trípoli y el vicariato de Bengasi they maintain a minimal but brave presence. The few remaining places of worship work with discretion.

Prayer for the Church in Libya

Lord, who in the ancient Cyrene were born the first Christians who brought your name to Antioch, look with mercy at the land of Libya. May the martyrs of the beaches of Sirte intercede for Christians who today live in hiding. May the Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, be comfort and protection for the few faithful who persevere in faith in Libyan land. Amen.