BEIRUT, Lebanon — Pope Leo XIV visited the site of a devastating explosion in Beirut on Tuesday, a poignant moment marking the tragic loss of 218 lives in the 2020 disaster. The pontiff’s appearance came on the final day of his first international trip and resonated deeply with families still seeking justice for their loved ones.
As the pope arrived at the harbor, relatives of the victims held up photographs of those lost in the blast, which decimated the port and caused extensive damage throughout the city. The shattered remnants of the last grain silo stood nearby as the pope made his way through the crowd, reaching out to each individual to offer words of comfort.
“This visit sends a clear message that the explosion was a crime committed against our people,” said Cecile Roukoz, who lost her brother in the disaster. “Lebanon needs to put an end to impunity and ensure that justice is achieved.” The ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the incident have been fraught with obstruction, leaving survivors and families disillusioned after years of unfulfilled promises for accountability.
Earlier that day, the pope visited the De La Croix Hospital, a facility dedicated to the care of individuals with mental health issues. The hospital, run by a congregation led by Mother Marie Makhlouf, serves the “forgotten souls” in society, offering compassion to those often overlooked. Leo emphasized that society must not ignore its vulnerable citizens.
“As we race ahead in our pursuits, we must remember those who need our attention the most,” he said, reiterating the importance of societal consciousness amid widespread suffering.
The pope’s visit has been particularly meaningful for Lebanon, a country grappling with multi-faceted crises. Political leaders have been urged to embrace truth and reconciliation as pathways toward lasting peace. Many Lebanese citizens expressed their hope that the pope’s presence would be a catalyst for change.
Maggie Claudine, a local pilgrim, reflected on the significance of the visit. “We wish for peace to prevail and hope to live comfortably without fear,” she stated as she awaited the pontiff’s arrival at the hospital.
At the explosion site, the pope was joined by governmental officials, including Lebanon’s Minister of Social Affairs, Haneen Sayed, whose mother was among the victims. Mireille Khoury also stood alongside the pope, grieving for her 15-year-old son Elias, lost in the explosion. She underscored the desperate need for justice: “You cannot heal without accountability. Our children died because of negligence,” she asserted, echoing the sentiments of many affected families who have faithfully gathered each month to honor the victims.
Despite the pain they carry, the families remain resolute in their quest for justice, believing support from figures like the pope may ease their burden, even if just slightly. “This anger will not disappear overnight,” Khoury admitted, “but the pope’s visit inspires hope.”
As the pope concluded his visit with a Mass along the waterfront, thousands gathered to witness the historic moment, celebrating what many saw as a long-overdue spiritual healing for a wounded nation.