Pope Leo XIV finished a three-day visit to Lebanon on Tuesday. The trip ended with a large outdoor church service by the sea. He also visited the place where the Beirut port explosion happened in 2020 and prayed there quietly.
His visit was about "joy and peace," but he also spoke directly about Lebanon's problems. He asked for justice for the port explosion and encouraged the country to rebuild. Lebanon is facing a very bad economic situation and political troubles.
The most emotional part was at the port. The Pope stood silently in the damaged area. He also met privately with families who lost loved ones in the blast. This meeting reminded everyone that, after five years, no official has been held responsible for the explosion. The investigation has been stopped many times by political leaders.
Later, he spoke to a huge crowd of people on the Beirut coast. He talked about Lebanon's "deep wounds" from its many crises. He said, "Lebanon, stand up. Be a home of justice and fraternity." His words mixed spiritual hope with a clear message about the country's problems.
For the victims' families, the Pope's visit was an important symbol. One family member said, "He raises his voice for justice, and we need justice." His call for justice challenges the culture where powerful people are not punished.
Experts say the visit was powerful because it briefly united the divided country. The big crowd at the final service showed that people want hope and moral leadership. While the Pope's role is spiritual, his strong words support international calls for a proper investigation.
The Pope has now left, but Lebanon continues to face daily struggles. His visit highlighted the strong faith of the Lebanese people and the failures of their leaders. It showed that justice for the explosion victims is a necessary step for the country's future.