Christian leaders are hopeful that the death of Col Muammar Gaddafi will usher in a new era for Libya.
Gaddafi was killed today following an assault on his hometown of Sirte. He ruled Libya for 42 years before being overthrown by rebels at the end of August.
National Transitional Council (NTC) Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril confirmed the death in a news conference.
The Secretary General of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), Dr Geoff Tunnicliffe, said the day would be remembered with "sadness" by those close to the leader while others would be thinking about those who "deeply suffered under his oppressive regime".
Dr Tunnicliffe called for an end to all hostilities in the country so that the process of reconstruction can begin.
"Our prayer is that this new chapter will improve the welfare for all of Libya’s people as well as create new freedoms of religion in the country," he said.
"On this kind of foundation families, communities and the nation of Libya can flourish. It is also our prayer that other conflicts in the region will be resolved in a more peaceful manner and all people will be given the opportunity to find genuine freedom."
Associate Secretary General of the WEA, Gordon Showell-Rogers, called for prayer as the country embraces a new future.
"The WEA asks Christians to pray for the people and the interim government of Libya in the light of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi’s death - which will inevitably usher in a new era in the country," he said.
"Our prayer is that this new chapter will be better for all Libya’s people, and that, among other things, there may be new freedoms of religion in the country."
Dr Harry Hagopian, senior Middle East adviser to the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales, said it was a "remarkable day" for Libya after 42 years of despotic rule under Gaddafi.
The leader's death, he said, had effectively answered concerns that he and his supporters would continue to cause trouble for the country despite his overthrow.
Dr Hagopian called for caution, however, as he echoed the sentiments of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who said that Gaddafi's death is only the "end of the beginning".
