English
Pope Leo XIV Lebanon Visit ended Tuesday with powerful appeals for justice, peace and national unity as the pontiff concluded his first foreign trip. Leo prayed at the Beirut port blast site and sent strong words of support to communities in southern Lebanon still suffering from conflict. His visit revived long-held demands for accountability over the 2020 explosion that killed 218 people and devastated the capital.
The Pope Leo XIV Lebanon Visit began Sunday, when he urged leaders to confront truth and heal national wounds. On Tuesday, he met grieving families at the charred port site, clasped their hands, and prayed at the last standing grain silo. Relatives held photos of loved ones and demanded an end to the culture of impunity that has plagued Lebanon for decades.
Calls for Justice at the Blast Site
Cecile Roukoz, whose brother Joseph died in the explosion, said the pope’s presence reinforced her belief that the blast was a crime. She urged leaders to end impunity and complete the blocked investigation. Families continue to accuse political, security and judicial officials of obstructing the probe.
Mireille Khoury, who lost her 15-year-old son Elias, said Lebanon cannot rebuild without accountability. She reminded the pope of her child’s death and insisted that her pursuit of justice will not stop. She said his prayer eased some of her anger but stressed that only truth will bring real relief.
Pope Celebrates Final Mass
About 150,000 worshippers filled the Beirut waterfront as Leo led his final mass. He acknowledged Lebanon’s enormous hardships, from economic collapse to fears of renewed war. He urged people to reject despair and divisions, and to dream again of a united Lebanon.
“Let us cast off the armor of ethnic and political divisions,” he said. “Lebanon, stand up and become a home of justice and fraternity.”
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Emotional Hospital Visit
Earlier Tuesday, Leo visited De La Croix hospital, which cares for people struggling with psychological trauma. He met children dressed as Swiss Guards and clergy, and reminded society not to forget its most fragile members. Hospital leaders said the visit brought hope to many families living with hardship.
Message to the South
Leo addressed the south directly in his farewell speech at Beirut’s airport. Residents there had hoped he would visit their communities, many of which were destroyed in last year’s war between Israel and Hezbollah. He called for an end to hostilities and urged dialogue over conflict.
“May the attacks stop,” he said. “Armed struggle brings no benefit. Only negotiation and mediation build peace.”
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun thanked the pope for restoring global attention to Lebanon and asked him to keep the country in his prayers.
