Pope Leo Prays at Beirut Blast Site, Urges Justice and Reconciliation

Pope Leo Prays at Beirut Blast Site, Urges Justice and Reconciliation
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On the final day of his visit to Lebanon, Pope Leo XIV visited the site of the devastating August 4, 2020 Beirut port explosion, offering prayers and consolation to grieving families of victims. According to Arab News, relatives of some of the 218 people killed held up photographs of their loved ones as the pope greeted them individually, shook their hands, and offered words of solace near the charred remains of the last grain silo as well as burned‑out cars destroyed in the blast.

The port explosion — caused by the detonation of hundreds of tons of ammonium nitrate — inflicted massive destruction and remains a symbol of official negligence and impunity. Five years on, no high‑level conviction has been secured, and survivors and families continue to demand justice.

During his visit, the pontiff implored Lebanon’s political leaders to pursue truth, accountability, and reconciliation, framing justice as essential for lasting peace. The emotional encounter underlined persistent frustration over stalled investigations and echoed calls for transparency and reform.

Pope Leo’s visit included a trip to a psychiatric hospital caring for vulnerable patients, where he stressed that societies must not neglect their weakest members. He is set to conclude the visit with an open‑air Mass along Beirut’s waterfront before returning to Rome.