Pope Leo XIV Prays for Justice at Beirut Port Explosion Site

Pope Leo XIV visited Beirut on Tuesday, offering silent prayers at the site of the devastating port explosion that killed 218 people on August 4, 2020. This tragic event has become a poignant symbol of Lebanon’s ongoing struggles with governmental dysfunction and a pervasive culture of impunity. As the Pope arrived, family members of the victims held photographs of their loved ones, standing near the remains of the last standing grain silo and the charred wreckage of vehicles destroyed in the blast.

The explosion occurred when hundreds of tons of ammonium nitrate detonated in a warehouse, causing extensive damage throughout the city and leaving families grappling with loss and a quest for justice. Five years later, no official has been convicted as judicial investigations have faced significant obstructions, leading to widespread frustration among the Lebanese populace. “The visit clearly sends the message that the explosion was a crime,” said Cecile Roukoz, whose brother was among those killed. “There should be a message; the country should end impunity and ensure justice is served.”

Pope’s Call for Truth and Reconciliation

On the first day of his visit, the Pope urged Lebanese political leaders to pursue truth as a path to peace and reconciliation. His itinerary included an emotional visit to the De La Croix Hospital, where he met with individuals receiving care for psychological issues. The hospital’s mother superior, Mother Marie Makhlouf, expressed her gratitude, highlighting the facility’s role in serving “forgotten souls, burdened by their loneliness.” The Pope emphasized the importance of caring for the vulnerable, stating, “We cannot forget those who are most fragile.”

Before concluding his visit with a Mass along the Beirut waterfront, Pope Leo XIV expressed his commitment to delivering a message of peace to Lebanon, a country still reeling from the fallout of the explosion and other ongoing crises, including the aftermath of Hezbollah’s conflict with Israel.

Families Demand Accountability

The families of the victims have been steadfast in their pursuit for justice. Among those present to meet the Pope was Mireille Khoury, whose 15-year-old son, Elias, lost his life in the explosion. Khoury emphasized that healing cannot take place without accountability. “Justice is the basis of building any country,” she stated. She, along with other families, has been advocating for the completion of investigations that implicate numerous political and security officials.

Since the explosion, these families have gathered monthly to honor their loved ones and appeal for international support to continue the investigation, which has been hampered by official reluctance to cooperate. “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,” Khoury noted. While she welcomed the Pope’s prayers and support, she reaffirmed her determination to continue the fight for justice, acknowledging that the anger from this tragedy will not simply fade but may find some solace in the Pope’s visit.

The Pope’s presence in Lebanon, particularly during such a sensitive time, is seen as a symbol of hope for many. “For Lebanon, (the visit) means a lot,” said Maggie Claudine, a pilgrim who awaited the Pope at the hospital. “We hope that peace will prevail, and that is what we wish for. We want to live in comfort.”

As the Pope prepares to return to Rome, his visit serves as a reminder of the importance of justice and accountability in a nation yearning for peace and healing.