BEIRUT – Pope Leo XIV concluded a three-day pastoral visit to Lebanon on Tuesday, culminating in a massive waterfront Mass and a solemn, silent prayer at the epicenter of the 2020 Beirut port explosion. His pilgrimage, framed as a mission of "joy and peace," directly confronted the nation’s profound traumas, as he demanded accountability for the catastrophic blast and called for national resurrection amid economic ruin and political stagnation.
The visit’s most poignant moment occurred at the port, where the Pontiff stood in contemplation amidst the lingering wreckage. He later met privately with bereaved family members, including Cecile Roukoz and Tatiana Hasrouty, who lost loved ones in the disaster. The encounter underscored the unresolved quest for justice, five years after the detonation of improperly stored ammonium nitrate killed hundreds and devastated vast swathes of the capital. No official has been held legally responsible, with a domestic investigation persistently obstructed by political interference widely condemned by the public and international observers.
During a homily delivered before an estimated 120,000 to 150,000 faithful gathered along Beirut’s coastline, Pope Leo XIV acknowledged the "deep wounds" inflicted by concurrent crises. Lebanon grapples with one of the world’s most severe economic depressions, rampant poverty, and a governing class accused of chronic negligence and corruption. "Lebanon, stand up. Be a home of justice and fraternity," he implored, weaving a message of spiritual hope with a clear-eyed recognition of societal failures. His words resonated with a populace yearning for both moral solace and tangible political change.
For the families of the blast victims, the papal audience provided a significant, albeit symbolic, amplification of their relentless campaign. "We know that he raises his voice for justice, and we need justice for our brothers and all the victims of this explosion," stated Cecile Roukoz following the meeting. The Pope’s explicit demand for justice challenges the culture of impunity that has characterized the official response to the tragedy, where senior politicians and security officials have evaded scrutiny through procedural delays and legal immunity.
Analysts suggest the visit’s impact lies in its powerful symbolism and its temporary unification of a fractured society. The immense turnout for the final Mass demonstrated a widespread hunger for communal hope and moral leadership absent from the domestic political sphere. While the Pontiff’s influence is primarily spiritual, his unequivocal stance reinforces international calls for a transparent and unimpeded investigation into the port disaster.
Ultimately, Pope Leo XIV’s departure leaves a nation at a crossroads, buoyed by a moment of collective reflection but returning to the grim reality of daily struggle. The pilgrimage highlighted the stark contrast between the enduring faith of the Lebanese people and the profound failures of their institutions, framing justice for the port explosion victims as an indispensable cornerstone for any future national renewal.