Pope Leo XIV Concludes Visit to Lebanon
Pope Leo XIV concluded his inaugural overseas papal trip in Beirut, Lebanon, with a series of engagements including prayers at the city's port and a Mass attended by an estimated 150,000 worshippers.
Beirut Port Blast Site Visit
The Pope conducted prayers at the site of the Beirut port blast. This location was affected five years prior by an explosion involving a warehouse containing ammonium nitrate. The incident, linked to negligence and government inefficiency, resulted in over 200 fatalities and billions of dollars in economic damage. No senior officials have been convicted in connection with the event.
Pope Leo XIV lit a candle at a memorial engraved with the names of the victims and met with their relatives. The damaged structure of a grain silo, a remnant of the blast, was visible at the site.
Homily and Calls for Justice
During his homily at the waterfront Mass, the Pope addressed the port explosion, advocating for justice in Lebanon. He acknowledged the natural feeling of being "paralyzed 'by powerlessness in the face of evil and oppressed by so many difficult situations.'" He called for Lebanon to become a place "where peace and justice reign," urging it to "stand up" and serve as a "prophetic sign" of peace for the region.
Mass Attendees and Regional Context
Attendees at the Mass included United Nations peacekeepers in uniform. These personnel are part of a mission monitoring the border between Lebanon and Israel, comprising members from approximately 50 nations, many of which are predominantly Catholic.
In his farewell address at Beirut's airport, Pope Leo XIV mentioned that ongoing "conflict and uncertainty" in southern Lebanon prevented him from visiting the region during his trip. Southern Lebanon has experienced Israeli attacks that have reportedly damaged Christian villages, even after a ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel signed last year. While Hezbollah has not attacked Israel since the ceasefire, the Israeli military states, without providing specific evidence, that the group is rebuilding its military capabilities. Historically, portions of southern Lebanon are part of the Galilee region.
Engagement with Youth
On Monday evening, Pope Leo XIV, the first American leader of the Catholic Church, met with young people. Christians and young adults constitute a notable portion of the population departing Lebanon, with many citing concerns about their future in the country. The Pope conveyed to them, "Dear young people — perhaps you regret inheriting a world torn apart by wars and disfigured by social justice but there is hope and there is hope within you."
Public Sentiment
Some Lebanese residents who welcomed the Pope's arrival expressed concerns that his departure could precede intensified Israeli military actions. Rabab Htait, a former teacher, stated she attended the events "because I wanted to be among people who are hopeful for peace and I was hoping that this would be contagious," adding, "What we're doing here is hoping for a miracle because the situation now calls for no less than a miracle."