Journalist's Diary: Following Pope Leo XIV on his historic first foreign journey

Pope Leo XIV has completed his first international journey, a six-day visit to the Middle East, concluding on Tuesday in Beirut. The visit brought the pontiff to Lebanon, just miles from the site of the devastating August 4, 2020, explosion at Beirut's port, which killed over 200 people, injured thousands, and left more than 300,000 homeless. Despite five years passing, Lebanese authorities have yet to finalize the investigation into how nearly three tons of ammonium nitrate stored at the port detonated, causing the largest non-nuclear explosion in history. Families of victims continue to gather at the port on the fourth of every month to protest government inaction and corruption.

Honoring the Victims Amid Crisis

During his visit on December 2, 2025, Pope Leo XIV offered a silent prayer at the port, lighting a lamp in memory of those lost. Earlier that day, Vatican press officer Salvatore Scolozzi coordinated the 80 accredited journalists at the Intercontinental Phoenicia Hotel in Beirut, a building heavily damaged in the 2020 blast. Staff recounted the chaos during the explosion, describing shattered windows, flying glass, and clouds of dust, though fortunately no fatalities occurred. The hotel reopened in 2023 after extensive renovations but remains surrounded by damaged buildings.

Press and Pilgrimage Preparations

The Vatican Accredited Media Personnel, known as the VAMPS, represented 15 countries during the trip. Journalists prepared for the in-flight press conference on the return flight to Rome, discussing potential questions, including whether the pope's frequent remarks on the role of women suggested openness to women deacons. Initial concerns that Pope Leo would not engage with journalists were alleviated when he answered questions during the chartered flight from Istanbul to Beirut, addressing issues like the Gaza conflict and reaffirming the Vaticans support for a two-state solution while emphasizing diplomacy and friendship with Israel.

Messages of Peace and Hope

Pope Leo XIV delivered speeches in English, French, and a few words in Arabic, urging peace among local authorities, religious groups, and Lebanese youth. At an evening gathering with young people, he encouraged citizens to stay and contribute to the countrys future. "Have hope, don't leave, your country needs you!" he said.

Local residents expressed their hopes and struggles. Nada Merhi, a Maronite Catholic volunteer, reflected on her love for Lebanon despite economic hardship and renewed regional tensions. Andre Sassine, a business owner from Byblos, emphasized the importance of peace for economic recovery and praised the popes American heritage as a bridge for international support.

Final Day in Beirut

On his last day, Pope Leo XIV visited the site of the 2020 port explosion and held an open-air Mass at Waterfront Square, engaging with citizens and reinforcing messages of unity, resilience, and hope for Lebanon's future.

Author: Sophia Brooks