Pope expresses hope for Libya conference in Berlin

Pope Francis said on Sunday he hoped for the Berlin conference on Libya would bring an end to the fighting.

Addressing the public in St. Peter's Square, he also called for a "negotiated solution" that would bring stability to Libya.

Germany is bringing together the key players in Libya’s long-running civil war seeking to curb foreign military interference, solidify a ceasefire and help relaunch a political process to stop the chaos in the North African nation.

Leaders from 12 countries have been invited as well as the United Nations, the European Union, the African Union and the Arab League.

Also invited are Libya's two main rival leaders: Prime Minister Fayez Sarraj and Gen. Khalifa Hifter, who are both expected to attend.

The chances of the summit producing any real progress are unclear, however.

A truce brokered earlier this month by Russia and Turkey marked the first break in fighting in months, but the ceasefire has seen repeated violations.