Beirut, Lebanon — Pope Leo XIV concluded his inaugural international trip on a somber note, visiting the site of the tragic 2020 Beirut port explosion. His heartfelt prayers and words of comfort were directed at the families grieving the loss of loved ones five years after the disaster, which claimed 218 lives and left countless others affected.
As the Pope arrived on Tuesday, relatives gathered, holding photographs of those they lost. The poignant scene unfolded near the remains of one of the grain silos that survived the blast, surrounded by the charred remains of vehicles that also bore witness to the catastrophe. The explosion, resulting from the detonation of hundreds of tons of ammonium nitrate, inflicted extensive destruction on the city and its infrastructure, leading to an outcry from families still seeking justice.
Despite years passing since the incident, no one has been held accountable, fueling anger in Lebanon where citizens view this lack of accountability as a continuation of a history marked by corruption and neglect. When Pope Leo arrived in Lebanon on Sunday, he called upon the nation’s leaders to pursue the truth, emphasizing its role in fostering peace and reconciliation.
On his final day in Lebanon, the Pope visited De La Croix Hospital, a facility known for its care of individuals with psychological disorders. The emotional reception from Mother Marie Makhlouf, the hospital’s superior, underscored the community’s profound challenges. She expressed gratitude to the Pope for acknowledging the “forgotten souls” who suffer from loneliness and despair.
Pope Leo responded by reminding humanity of its responsibility to support the most vulnerable members of society. “We cannot build a future without recognizing the fragility around us,” he said, urging a collective commitment to uplifting those living in poverty and hardship.
His visit culminated in a Mass held along Beirut’s waterfront, where he moved through the crowd in his popemobile, connecting with those yearning for hope amidst socio-economic turmoil. The Pope’s messages of peace resonated deeply in a country grappling with its economic struggles, the ramifications of regional conflicts, and the lingering impact of the deadly explosion.
As Lebanon navigates these turbulent waters, the Pope’s call for unity and healing seeks to inspire a more transparent governance and an end to the culture of impunity that has plagued the nation for far too long.