Pope Leo XIV ended his first foreign trip on Tuesday with a powerful message of justice, peace, and solidarity for the people of Lebanon—particularly those in the country’s war-scarred south. Visiting the site of the 2020 Beirut port explosion, one of the worst disasters in Lebanon’s modern history, the pope prayed beside the last standing grain silo and met with families of the 218 victims still awaiting accountability five years after the blast.
Relatives held photos of loved ones as Leo stood silently before the memorial, then greeted them one by one, a gesture survivors described as a clear reminder that the devastation “was a crime” that demands justice after years of political obstruction and impunity. Leo had urged Lebanese leaders upon his arrival to pursue truth and reconciliation, and he reinforced that message during a massive waterfront Mass attended by an estimated 150,000 worshippers. Acknowledging the country’s multiple crises—from economic collapse to renewed fears of conflict—he called on Lebanese people to cast aside sectarian divisions and revive their vision of a united, peaceful nation grounded in justice. “Lebanon, stand up!” he proclaimed.
“Be a home of justice and fraternity, a prophetic sign of peace for the Levant.” Earlier in the day, the pope made an emotional visit to De La Croix hospital, which specializes in mental health care. Welcomed by children dressed as Swiss Guards, cardinals, and even a miniature pope, Leo met patients and staff, praising the institution for caring for “forgotten souls” and reminding society not to abandon the most vulnerable. His presence, many pilgrims said, offered renewed hope as Lebanon grapples with instability and ongoing conflict in the south. For those awaiting healing and accountability, Leo’s final message was clear: peace cannot be achieved without truth and justice.
