"Libya is witnessing a dramatic turn of events that underlines the urgent need to return to a full and inclusive political process," the U.N. support mission in Libya said.

During his weekly blessing overlooking St. Peter's Square, the pontiff called for ``an end to the violence'' and a path toward ``peace, stability and unity'' in the country.

Libya sits on Africa's Mediterranean coast, and is divided between rival governments, each supported by various armed militias and foreign backers. It has the ninth largest known oil reserves in the world and the biggest oil reserves in Africa.