Pope Leo XIV finished a three-day visit to Lebanon on Tuesday. His trip ended with a large public Mass by the sea and a quiet prayer at the site of the 2020 Beirut port explosion. He described his visit as a mission of "joy and peace," but he also spoke directly about the country's deep pain. He demanded answers for the port blast and encouraged the nation to rebuild itself during a time of economic collapse and political deadlock.
The most emotional part of the visit was at the port. The Pope stood silently among the damaged ruins. He also met privately with families who lost relatives in the explosion, like Cecile Roukoz and Tatiana Hasrouty. This meeting highlighted that the search for justice is still unresolved. The blast happened five years ago when poorly stored chemicals exploded, killing hundreds and destroying parts of the city. To date, no official has been legally punished because the investigation has been repeatedly blocked by political forces.
Later, the Pope spoke to a huge crowd of between 120,000 and 150,000 people on Beirut's coast. He talked about the "deep wounds" caused by Lebanon's many crises. The country is suffering from a severe economic crisis, widespread poverty, and a political class accused of long-term neglect and corruption. "Lebanon, stand up. Be a home of justice and fraternity," he said. His message mixed spiritual hope with a clear understanding of the country's problems.
For the victims' families, the Pope's attention was an important symbol of support. "We know that he raises his voice for justice, and we need justice for our brothers and all the victims," said Cecile Roukoz. His direct call for justice challenges the culture of impunity, where powerful officials have avoided responsibility through legal delays and immunity.
Analysts say the visit was powerful because it temporarily united a divided society. The large crowd at the Mass showed a public desire for hope and moral leadership, which is missing from local politics. While the Pope's role is spiritual, his strong words support international demands for a proper investigation.
As Pope Leo XIV left, Lebanon returns to its daily struggles. His visit highlighted the strong faith of the Lebanese people, but also the major failures of their leaders. For many, achieving justice for the port explosion victims remains a necessary first step for any real national recovery.