Pope Leo concludes his visit to Lebanon with prayers at the site of Beirut port explosion

Pope Leo XIV paid tribute at the location of the 2020 Beirut port explosion, marking one of the concluding stops of his three-day visit to Lebanon. On Tuesday morning, the Catholic leader prayed silently and illuminated a lamp at a memorial honoring the over 220 individuals who lost their lives and the 6,500 who were injured in the blast.

The U.S.-born Pope emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence throughout the Middle East during his first international trip. With the ruins of the destroyed port visible around him, he personally greeted survivors and the relatives of victims, offering blessings and words of comfort.

We are deeply thankful for the Popes visit, said Cecile Roukoz, a lawyer whose brother perished in the explosion. He raises his voice for justice, which is exactly what we need for our brothers and all victims of this tragedy.

Reporting from Beiruts waterfront, where the Pope later celebrated Mass, Al Jazeeras Zeina Khodr noted that locals saw his presence at the blast site as a meaningful act. For the Pope to speak to each family individually it carried immense significance, she said.

Families of the victims continue to demand accountability five years after the explosion, which caused extensive damage to surrounding neighborhoods. No officials have been convicted, and ongoing obstruction in the judicial investigation has fueled frustration among Lebanese citizens, who view the tragedy as a reflection of longstanding corruption and impunity.

Upon his arrival in Lebanon on Sunday, Pope Leo urged political leaders to seek truth and reconciliation. Tens of thousands gathered at Beiruts waterfront for the outdoor Mass, which concluded his visit. The Pope called for unity, stating, We must combine our efforts so this nation can regain its former glory and encouraged citizens to shed the armor of our ethnic and political divisions.

He envisioned a Lebanon where justice and peace prevail, where all recognize one another as brothers and sisters. According to the Vatican, around 150,000 people attended the Mass, a smaller turnout compared to the approximately 300,000 who gathered for Pope Benedict XVIs 2012 Mass, highlighting the mass emigration of Lebanese citizens amid ongoing economic and political crises.

Since Pope Benedict XVIs visit, the country has faced crisis after crisis: financial collapse, loss of savings, the port explosion, and now ongoing tensions between Hezbollah and Israel. Life is challenging, but people greatly value the Popes presence, Khodr explained.

Pope Leo XIVs visit to Lebanon was the second stop on an overseas journey that began in Turkiye, where he called for peace in the Middle East and warned that global conflicts threaten humanitys future.

Author: Sophia Brooks