Pope Prays at Beirut Port Site, Consoles Families of Blast Victims as Lebanon Awaits Justice
The Pope has visited the site of last year's deadly explosion in Beirut's port, a tragedy that has left 218 people dead and countless more injured. As he prayed silently at the monument to the victims, Pope Leo XIV offered words of condolence to the families of those killed.
Lebanon, which is still reeling from the blast, was Pope Leo XIV's final destination on his first overseas trip. The Pope's visit comes as Lebanon struggles to cope with economic crises and renewed fears of war. He urged the Lebanese people to remain hopeful and grateful in the face of adversity, while also calling for justice to prevail.
"We cannot forget those who are most fragile," Pope Leo XIV said during a visit to a hospital that specializes in care for people with psychological problems. "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."
As he concluded his final day in Lebanon, Pope Leo XIV paid tribute to Christians in the south, who had been disappointed by his visit not including their areas. The Pope also appealed for an end to the conflict in southern Lebanon.
Lebanese families of blast victims have long sought justice, but progress has been slow. The investigation into the blast has been obstructed by officials who have refused to cooperate. "Justice is the basis of building any country," said Mireille Khoury, whose 15-year-old son was killed in the explosion.
The fate of the port's massive grain silos, which absorbed much of the shock of the explosion, remains a matter of debate. The silos were damaged in the blast and are still largely uninhabitable. However, families of those killed have protested against plans to demolish them, as they want them preserved.
As Pope Leo XIV prepared to leave Lebanon, he sent a message of support to the country's people. "May the attacks and hostilities cease," he said. "We must recognize that armed struggle brings no benefit. While weapons are lethal, negotiation, mediation and dialogue are constructive."
The Pope has visited the site of last year's deadly explosion in Beirut's port, a tragedy that has left 218 people dead and countless more injured. As he prayed silently at the monument to the victims, Pope Leo XIV offered words of condolence to the families of those killed.
Lebanon, which is still reeling from the blast, was Pope Leo XIV's final destination on his first overseas trip. The Pope's visit comes as Lebanon struggles to cope with economic crises and renewed fears of war. He urged the Lebanese people to remain hopeful and grateful in the face of adversity, while also calling for justice to prevail.
"We cannot forget those who are most fragile," Pope Leo XIV said during a visit to a hospital that specializes in care for people with psychological problems. "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."
As he concluded his final day in Lebanon, Pope Leo XIV paid tribute to Christians in the south, who had been disappointed by his visit not including their areas. The Pope also appealed for an end to the conflict in southern Lebanon.
Lebanese families of blast victims have long sought justice, but progress has been slow. The investigation into the blast has been obstructed by officials who have refused to cooperate. "Justice is the basis of building any country," said Mireille Khoury, whose 15-year-old son was killed in the explosion.
The fate of the port's massive grain silos, which absorbed much of the shock of the explosion, remains a matter of debate. The silos were damaged in the blast and are still largely uninhabitable. However, families of those killed have protested against plans to demolish them, as they want them preserved.
As Pope Leo XIV prepared to leave Lebanon, he sent a message of support to the country's people. "May the attacks and hostilities cease," he said. "We must recognize that armed struggle brings no benefit. While weapons are lethal, negotiation, mediation and dialogue are constructive."
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just saw pope leo xiv visit beirut port site where 218 ppl died last yr. feels bad for lebanese fams still waiting for justice 
they're already dealing w/ economic crises & war fears... hope pope's words of comfort & call for justice make a difference 
wish he'd include south christians in his visit tho 
I'm still trying to wrap my head around this Beirut port blast, it's been a year and we're still waiting for answers. The Pope's visit is a good start, but how can he really make a difference from afar? 
It's getting to the point where we're questioning whether there's even an investigation happening at all... 
The grain silos are still a big issue, and it's crazy that people are fighting over them. Can't they just agree on something? 
And the Pope's warning about armed struggle? We get it, he's trying to promote peace, but what's the point if we're not even getting any real progress here? 
Those 218 people who lost their lives in that explosion were just victims, you know? 
It's just... ugh. My heart goes out to them.
It's like, priorities, you know?