Pope Leo XIV Calls for Justice During Visit to Beirut Port Explosion Site
In a poignant gesture of solidarity, Pope Leo XIV led a silent prayer at the site of the 2020 Beirut port explosion, urging justice for the victims as he concluded his three-day visit to Lebanon. The Pope’s visit comes as families continue to seek accountability for the disaster, which claimed 218 lives and left a profound impact on the capital and its citizens.
Why It Matters
The Pope’s visit underscores the ongoing struggle for justice in Lebanon, where political inertia has hindered accountability for a tragedy that has left families devastated and a nation grappling with deep-seated issues. The gathering highlights the urgent need for reform and unity in a country currently experiencing multifaceted crises, including economic turmoil and social unrest.
Key Developments
- Pope Leo XIV visited the site of the August 2020 explosion, which involved the unsafe storage of 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate.
- He met with relatives of victims, expressing solidarity and sharing their pursuit of truth and justice.
- During a final Mass attended by 150,000 people, the Pope called for unity among Lebanon’s diverse communities to address the nation’s challenges.
- Victims’ relatives criticized the local investigation process, alleging obstruction by political figures.
Full Report
A Call for Justice
While praying at the memorial for the victims of the port explosion, Pope Leo XIV expressed his "deeply moved" sentiments regarding the tragedy. He acknowledged the heartfelt pleas for justice from the victims’ families and described their "thirst for truth" as a shared burden across Lebanon.
Cecile Roukoz, who lost her brother Joseph, emphasized the importance of the Pope’s presence, stating, "We know that he raises his voice for justice, and we need justice for our brothers and all the victims of this explosion." Similarly, Tatiana Hasrouty, who lost her father Ghassan, noted the Pope’s effort to help uncover the truth, reflecting the families’ desire for recognition and support.
Mass and Message of Unity
Following his visit to the blast site, Pope Leo XIV celebrated a final Mass at Beirut’s waterfront, where he addressed a gathering of approximately 150,000 attendees. He lamented the overshadowing of Lebanon’s beauty by poverty and suffering and urged the nation’s communities to come together in harmony.
"Let us cast off the armour of our ethnic and political divisions, open our religious confessions to mutual encounter and reawaken in our hearts the dream of a united Lebanon," he requested, envisioning a nation where peace and justice prevail.
Critique of Investigation Efforts
Despite the Pope’s calls for unity and justice, many victims’ relatives and activists are frustrated by the stalled domestic investigation into the explosion. They maintain that political leadership has actively obstructed accountability, protecting officials who are believed to have been aware of the risks posed by the hazardous materials stored at the port. The tragedy occurred when a fire ignited a cache of ammonium nitrate that had been improperly stored for nearly six years.
Context & Previous Events
The Beirut port explosion on August 4, 2020, was a catastrophic incident that devastated much of the capital. Since the last papal visit in 2012, Lebanon has faced numerous challenges, including a severe economic crisis that began in 2019, widespread anti-government protests, and the COVID-19 pandemic. These crises have compounded the societal strain and have obstructed political progress, crucial for securing much-needed international aid. The aftermath of the 13-month conflict between Hezbollah and Israel also continues to shape the current landscape, influencing ongoing discussions around peace and stability in the region.
