Beirut, December 02, 2025
Pope Leo XIV concluded his apostolic visit to Lebanon on December 2, 2025, with a solemn prayer at the site of the 2020 Beirut Port explosion, underscoring the tragedy’s enduring national impact and Lebanon’s ongoing pursuit of justice and peace.
Visit to the Beirut Port Blast Site
Pope Leo XIV visited the devastated Beirut Port area, where a massive explosion in August 2020 caused extensive loss of life and destruction. The Pope expressed his solidarity with victims and their families, stating, “I carry with me the pain, and the thirst for truth and justice, of so many families, of an entire country.” His prayer marked the final act of his apostolic journey in Lebanon.
The blast killed nearly 300 people, injured thousands, and left large sections of the city in ruins. The site remains a vivid symbol of trauma and resilience for Lebanon’s population. The Pope’s presence there highlighted the continuing national struggle for accountability and rebuilding.
Call for Justice and Regional Peace
During his visit, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the need for justice in the aftermath of the explosion and the imperative to restore peace in Lebanon and the broader Middle East. Noting enduring tensions especially in southern Lebanon, he urged all parties to end armed conflict.
The Pope also underscored Lebanon’s unique cultural heritage of dialogue and unity, encouraging the country to foster these values regionally. “Lebanon is called to involve the entire Middle East in this spirit of fraternity and commitment to peace,” he stated.
Interfaith Dialogue and Legacy of Pope Francis
The visit reinforced the importance of interreligious coexistence, highlighting shared reverence for the Virgin Mary among Christians and Muslims as a foundation for dialogue. This call resonates strongly in a region marked by sectarian divisions and conflict.
Pope Leo XIV’s trip honors the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who had planned a Lebanon visit to advance peace efforts but passed away in early 2025. The current Pope’s pilgrimage thus builds on efforts to support Lebanon’s stability and reconciliation.
Background: The 2020 Explosion and Lebanon’s Challenges
On August 4, 2020, a fire in a warehouse storing ammonium nitrate at Beirut’s port triggered one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history. The blast caused nearly 300 deaths, thousands of injuries, and widespread damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
In the years since, Lebanon has faced immense challenges in achieving justice for the victims amid political gridlock and economic turmoil. Recovery efforts continue to be hampered by instability and ongoing regional conflicts.
Pope Leo XIV’s visit draws renewed global attention to these issues, emphasizing the urgent need for reconstruction, accountability, and lasting peace.
The Pope’s prayerful presence at the blast site offers a moment of reflection and hope for a nation still healing, while signaling to the international community the importance of supporting Lebanon through its difficult journey toward justice and reconciliation.