Pope Leo XIV Prays for Justice at Beirut Port Explosion Site

Pope Leo XIV offered a silent prayer on August 29, 2023, at the site of the tragic Beirut port explosion that claimed the lives of 218 individuals in 2020. This disaster has come to symbolize the dysfunction and impunity prevalent in Lebanon. As the Pope arrived, family members of the victims held up photographs of their loved ones, standing in solemn remembrance beside the remains of the last standing grain silo and the wreckage of burned vehicles.

The explosion, which occurred on August 4, 2020, was caused by the detonation of hundreds of tons of ammonium nitrate stored in a warehouse. The blast resulted in substantial destruction, costing billions of dollars in damages. Five years later, families are still demanding justice, as no officials have been convicted amid a judicial investigation that has faced numerous obstacles. This ongoing lack of accountability has fueled public anger, particularly among those who view the explosion as a stark reminder of a long history of corruption.

Cecile Roukoz, who lost her brother Joseph in the blast, expressed the sentiments of many family members, stating, “The visit clearly sends the message that the explosion was a crime. There should be a message, the country should end impunity and ensure justice is served.”

Emotional Hospital Visit

Earlier that day, Pope Leo XIV began his final day in Lebanon with a visit to De La Croix Hospital, which specializes in mental health care. There, he was greeted by young boys dressed as Swiss Guards and cardinals, alongside one child portraying the Pope himself. Mother Marie Makhlouf, the superior of the facility, welcomed the Pope with emotion, emphasizing the hospital’s mission to support “forgotten souls, burdened by their loneliness.”

In his address, the Pope remarked on the importance of caring for the vulnerable, stating, “We cannot forget those who are most fragile. We cannot conceive of a society that races ahead at full speed clinging to the false myths of wellbeing, while at the same time ignoring so many situations of poverty and vulnerability.”

Pope Leo XIV is expected to conclude his visit with a Mass along the Beirut waterfront, a significant event for many Lebanese who have long awaited a papal visit. Pope Francis had previously attempted to visit but faced delays due to Lebanon’s ongoing crises and personal health issues.

Seeking Justice for Victims

The Pope’s visit holds deep meaning for the people of Lebanon, especially for families of the victims. Mireille Khoury, whose 15-year-old son Elias lost his life in the explosion, shared her perspective, noting that Lebanon cannot move forward without justice. She has been vocal in demanding the completion of an investigation that has implicated numerous political and judicial figures.

Since the explosion, families have gathered monthly to honor the victims and call for international support in the stalled investigation. Khoury lamented the tragedy of losing her son, stating, “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.”

While she acknowledged that the Pope’s support may not erase her anger, she expressed hope that his prayer would provide some solace until justice is achieved. “I will not say that this anger will fully just disappear,” she explained. “But I think it will give some sort of relaxation of this anger that is in my heart until justice is served.”

The Pope’s presence is a significant gesture, aiming to bring attention to the ongoing struggles faced by the Lebanese people as they navigate the aftermath of political instability and tragedy. As thousands gather for the Mass, the hope remains for peace and accountability in a nation yearning for healing.