Pope Leo XIV Concludes Visit to Lebanon with Prayers

Pope Leo XIV concluded his visit to Lebanon with poignant prayers at the site of the devastating Beirut port explosion that occurred in August 2020, killing 218 people and injuring over 7,000. According to NPR, the Pope's visit, which marked his first international trip as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, culminated in a waterfront Mass attended by an estimated 150,000 worshippers. The Mass took place against the backdrop of the still-scarred port area, where Pope Leo lit a candle in front of a memorial engraved with the names of the victims and met with families still seeking justice for their loved ones. This explosion, attributed to negligence and government dysfunction, has left many Lebanese citizens feeling hopeless, particularly as no senior officials have been held accountable, as reported by ABC News.

During his trip, Pope Leo emphasized the need for Lebanon to rise as a beacon of peace and justice amidst a backdrop of ongoing fears about renewed conflict in the region. He urged the Lebanese people to remain hopeful and called for their homeland to stand as a 'home of justice and fraternity.' In his homily, he acknowledged the paralysis that comes from feeling powerless against evil, reaffirming the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity, as highlighted by NPR reports.

The Pope's message resonated deeply with attendees, some of whom carried framed photographs of their deceased family members. Many Lebanese citizens expressed a guarded hope that the Pope's visit might signify a turning point in their fight for accountability and recovery. At a psychiatric hospital on the outskirts of Beirut, he met with patients and staff, reinforcing the theme of healing and hope, a notion underscored by his outreach to young people, who are increasingly leaving the country due to a lack of opportunities.

As reported by the New York Times, the Pope also addressed the ongoing tensions in southern Lebanon, where Israeli military actions have caused significant damage to Christian villages. He noted that while he couldn't visit some areas due to 'conflict and uncertainty,' he remains committed to advocating for peace through diplomatic channels, including conversations with political leaders, as mentioned during his flight back to Rome.

The significance of this trip lies not only in the Pope's prayers and Mass but also in the broader context of Lebanon's struggles. The nation, home to the largest percentage of Christians in the Middle East, continues to grapple with political instability and economic collapse, making the Pope's visit a critical moment for both spiritual and social healing. Many Lebanese who welcomed the Pope's arrival fear that his departure may lead to an escalation of tensions, particularly with ongoing concerns about Israel's military actions in the region. The Pope's message, however, was one of unity and hope, calling on the Lebanese people to embody the change they wish to see and to strive for a peaceful coexistence, as delineated by multiple sources, including NBC News and ABC News.