Pope Leo XIV visited Beirut on Tuesday, offering a silent prayer at the site of the devastating port explosion that occurred on August 4, 2020. The explosion claimed the lives of 218 individuals and highlighted ongoing issues of governmental dysfunction and impunity within Lebanon. As the Pope arrived, relatives of the victims held up photographs of their loved ones, standing in solemn tribute beside the remnants of the last standing grain silo and charred vehicles left in the aftermath.
During his prayer, Leo stood amidst the wreckage, reflecting on the tragedy that caused billions of dollars in damage when hundreds of tons of ammonium nitrate detonated in a warehouse. Five years later, families of the victims continue to seek justice, as no official has been convicted in a judicial investigation that has faced numerous obstacles. The public’s frustration with the lack of accountability has intensified, given the country’s history of corruption and financial misconduct.
Cecile Roukoz, whose brother Joseph was killed in the blast, emphasized the significance of the Pope’s visit. “The visit clearly sends the message that the explosion was a crime,” she stated. “There should be a message, the country should end impunity and ensure justice is served.” Upon his arrival in Lebanon, the Pope urged political leaders to pursue truth as a pathway to peace and reconciliation.
Emotional Visit to De La Croix Hospital
Pope Leo XIV began his final day in Lebanon with a poignant visit to the De La Croix hospital, which specializes in mental health care. Welcomed by the mother superior, Mother Marie Makhlouf, the Pope engaged with children dressed as Swiss Guards and even one clad in white, resembling him. Mother Makhlouf expressed her gratitude, noting the hospital’s mission to care for “forgotten souls, burdened by their loneliness.”
During his visit, the Pope remarked, “We cannot forget those who are most fragile. We cannot conceive of a society that races ahead at full speed clinging to the false myths of well-being, while at the same time ignoring so many situations of poverty and vulnerability.”
After his hospital visit, Leo was expected to conclude his trip with a Mass along the Beirut waterfront, a gathering that drew thousands of Lebanese eager to witness a papal visit. The significance of this event was underscored by the fact that Pope Francis had attempted to visit Lebanon multiple times, but was thwarted by the country’s ongoing crises and his own health issues.
Families Demand Justice
As the Pope delivered his message of peace, he confronted the realities faced by families still mourning their loved ones lost in the explosion. Among those present was Mireille Khoury, whose 15-year-old son Elias was killed. Khoury articulated the need for justice and accountability in order for Lebanon to heal from its many wounds. She has been a vocal advocate for the investigation, which implicates several political, security, and judicial officials.
Since the blast, families of the victims have gathered monthly to honor those lost and to call for international support for the stalled investigation. Khoury emphasized the importance of justice in rebuilding the nation: “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 she welcomed the Pope’s prayer and support, Khoury acknowledged that her anger would not dissipate until justice is served. “I think it will give some sort of relaxation of this anger that is in my heart until justice is served,” she reflected.
As the Pope’s visit drew to a close, it served as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for accountability in Lebanon, as families continue to confront the scars left by the explosion and the ongoing challenges facing their country.
