Beirut, December 02, 2025
Pope Leo XIV concluded his visit to Lebanon on December 2, 2025, by praying at the site of the 2020 Beirut port explosion. He expressed profound sorrow for the victims and called for peace amid ongoing regional conflict, emphasizing Lebanon’s need for truth and reconciliation.
Prayer at the Beirut Blast Site
On his final day in Lebanon, Pope Leo XIV visited the location devastated by the 2020 Beirut port explosion that killed nearly 300 people and caused extensive damage across the capital. At the site, he offered prayers for the victims and their families, acknowledging the deep pain inflicted on the country. His gesture symbolized solidarity with those still grappling with the disaster’s aftermath and a call for accountability.
Engagements with Lebanese Leaders and Institutions
The Pope’s itinerary included visits to significant institutions such as the De la Croix hospital, where he underscored the role of faith in serving communities amid Lebanon’s social and political challenges. He met with leaders from various Lebanese religious groups, reinforcing the importance of interfaith cooperation in supporting peace and stability.
Message of Peace in a Volatile Region
In a farewell address, Pope Leo XIV strongly appealed for an end to armed struggles in southern Lebanon, particularly highlighting the ongoing conflict involving Hezbollah and Israel. He emphasized that violence only breeds further suffering and urged all parties to pursue negotiation, mediation, and dialogue as the viable avenues to resolve long-standing disputes.
Context of the Visit and Regional Background
Lebanon remains embroiled in complex regional tensions, with periodic eruptions of violence destabilizing an already fragile political landscape. The 2020 Beirut port explosion was a catastrophic event compounded by governance failures that exacerbated public outrage and hardship. The Pope’s visit was conceived as part of a broader mission to support Lebanon’s fragile peace process and to give hope for reconciliation in a region marked by hostility.
Continuing the Legacy of Pope Francis
Pope Leo XIV’s visit fulfilled plans initially set by the late Pope Francis, who passed away earlier in 2025. The continuity in papal attention to Lebanon highlights the Vatican’s commitment to backing peace efforts and humanitarian recovery in the Middle East. The final day’s solemn observance and call for peace aimed to inspire Lebanon as a beacon of fraternity, even amid complex geopolitical rivalries.
The visit concludes a significant chapter of spiritual and diplomatic engagement, emphasizing faith-driven service and the urgent need for addressing Lebanon’s humanitarian and political crises with justice and negotiation rather than violence.