As Britain and France’s leaders basked in a hero’s welcome during their visit to Libya, a reassuring message of support was sent by bishops to the church there.

The letter was sent this week to the Apostolic Vicar of Tripoli, Mgr Giovanni Innocenzo Martinelli, from the Chairman of the International Affairs Department of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, Bishop Declan Lang.

The letter expressed the bishops’ deep sense of Christian solidarity, concern and prayers for the peoples of the Middle East and North Africa.

“As you might well imagine, Libya has been very much at the forefront of our thoughts and it is with a mixture of hope and concern that we have followed all the radical changes taking place from its eastern to its western shores,” wrote Bishop Lang.

“Today, as Libya experiences freedom, I join you in praying that the country’s future will be one in which Libyans of all beliefs will be able to live in peace and unity

“Conscious that the beginnings of the Church in Libya go back to the origins of Christianity itself with Simon of Cyrene, I assure Your Excellency that your ministry as well as the well-being of all Christians in Libya remain in our prayers.

“We beseech the Almighty to preserve Libya for its people, and assure you of our prayerful thoughts.”

British Prime Minister David Cameron and French President Nicolas Sarkozy paid a surprise visit to Libya on Thursday.

As fighting continues in some parts of the country, Cameron told the toppled Libyan leader Col Muammar Gaddafi to “give up”.

Cameron and Sarkozy, who were greeted by cheering crowds, promised the continued support of Nato as they met rebel leaders.

“There are still parts of Libya under Gaddafi's control, Gaddafi is still at large, and we must make sure this work is completed,” said Mr Cameron.

“We must keep on with the Nato mission until civilians are all protected and this work is finished. We will help you to find Gaddafi and to bring him to justice and we want to help you to take the dangerous weapons out of Libya.”