Pope Leo conducts mass in Beirut and visits location of port explosion

Over 120,000 attendees are anticipated for Pope Leo XIV's mass in Beirut on Tuesday, marking the conclusion of his visit to Lebanon and offering an opportunity to honor those affected by the devastating 2020 port explosion. The pontiff arrived from Turkey on Sunday, marking his first international trip as pope, carrying a message of hope, especially aimed at the country's youth, whose confidence in Lebanon has waned.

The pope's presence provides a momentary relief to a nation still recovering from last years conflict with Israel, which raised fears of renewed tensions. Yasmine Chidiac, eager to see the pope on Monday, expressed that the visit "has brought a smile back to our faces."

The mass, scheduled near Beirut's waterfront, has drawn registrations exceeding 120,000. Starting Monday evening, authorities will restrict access to key areas of central Beirut and will implement security checkpoints.

Prior to visiting the port, site of the catastrophic explosion that claimed over 220 lives and caused widespread destruction, Pope Leo will stop at a psychiatric hospital managed by nuns. He will then hold a moment of silent prayer at the blast site and pay tribute to the families of victims and survivors still seeking justice.

The August 4, 2020 explosion ranks among the largest non-nuclear detonations globally, leaving significant portions of the Lebanese capital in ruins. Officials have indicated that the disaster originated from a fire in a warehouse storing large quantities of ammonium nitrate fertilizer, kept in unsafe conditions for years despite warnings. The investigation into the blast remains stalled, with political interference hampering the work of the independent judge leading the inquiry.

On Monday, the pope met with Christian and Muslim leaders in an interfaith gathering, urging them to fight intolerance and violence. He also received an enthusiastic reception from thousands of young people at Bkerke, the headquarters of the Maronite Church, encouraging them to shape a "new future." Addressing approximately 15,000 Lebanese youth, he said, "You have the enthusiasm to change the course of history."

Author: Sophia Brooks