Pope Leo XIV visited the site of the devastating Beirut port explosion on Tuesday, marking the final day of his trip to Lebanon. The explosion, which occurred on August 4, 2020, resulted in the deaths of 218 individuals and has come to symbolize the country’s ongoing struggles with political dysfunction and a lack of accountability.
As the Pope arrived, relatives of the victims held photographs of their loved ones, standing in silence near the remnants of the grain silo that survived the blast and the charred remains of vehicles destroyed in the incident. Leo paused for silent prayer amid the wreckage, a poignant gesture reflecting the profound grief and unresolved trauma that still lingers in the community.
Families of those lost in the explosion continue to demand justice. No official has been convicted in the ongoing judicial investigation, which has faced numerous delays and obstructions, fueling public anger towards a system marked by years of corruption and impunity. “The visit clearly sends the message that the explosion was a crime,” stated Cecile Roukoz, who lost her brother, Joseph, in the blast. “There should be a message; the country should end impunity and ensure justice is served.”
Pope’s Message of Peace and Accountability
Upon his arrival in Lebanon on Sunday, Pope Leo urged political leaders to pursue truth as a pathway toward reconciliation and peace. On the morning of his final day, he visited the De La Croix hospital, which specializes in mental health care. The visit was marked by emotional moments, as young boys dressed as Swiss Guards and cardinals greeted him, including one child dressed in a white robe resembling the Pope.
Mother Marie Makhlouf, the hospital’s superior, expressed her gratitude, highlighting the institution’s mission to care for “forgotten souls burdened by their loneliness.” Leo emphasized the need to remember the most vulnerable members of society, stating, “We cannot conceive of a society that races ahead at full speed, clinging to false myths of wellbeing while ignoring so many situations of poverty and vulnerability.”
The Pope is expected to conclude his trip with a Mass along the Beirut waterfront, where thousands of Lebanese have gathered, celebrating the significant occasion. The visit marks a long-awaited event, as Pope Francis had attempted to visit Lebanon multiple times but faced setbacks due to the country’s economic crises and his own health issues.
Families Unite in Their Search for Justice
Pope Leo’s presence in Lebanon carries a message of hope during a time of turmoil, as the nation grapples with the aftermath of the port explosion and the broader implications of the conflict with Hezbollah. Among the relatives meeting the Pope was Mireille Khoury, who lost her 15-year-old son, Elias, in the blast. She articulated the necessity of justice for healing, stating, “Lebanon cannot heal from its wounds without justice and accountability.”
Since the explosion, the families of the victims have consistently gathered to honor their loved ones and advocate for a thorough investigation into the incident. They have faced resistance from officials who largely refuse to cooperate with the ongoing inquiry. “Justice is the basis of building any country,” Khoury told The Associated Press prior to the Pope’s arrival in Lebanon. “Our children were killed in their homes. They were killed because someone kept ammonium nitrate in the main port of the city near a residential area.”
While Khoury expressed cautious optimism that the Pope’s prayer would offer some solace, she remains steadfast in her pursuit of justice. “I will not say that this anger will fully just disappear,” she acknowledged. “But I think it will give some sort of relaxation of this anger that is in my heart until justice is served.”
The Pope’s visit serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by the Lebanese people and the urgent need for accountability in the wake of one of the most tragic events in the nation’s history.
