Pope Offers Silent Prayer for Beirut Blast Victims, Demands Justice

Pope Leo XIV visited the site of the devastating August 4, 2020 Beirut port explosion on Tuesday, offering a silent prayer in remembrance of the 218 victims. This tragic event has become emblematic of Lebanon’s ongoing struggles with government dysfunction and the quest for accountability. Relatives of the deceased gathered at the site, holding photographs of their loved ones while the pope stood in solemn reflection amid the remnants of the explosion, including the last grain silo still standing and charred vehicles left in the aftermath.

The explosion, caused by the detonation of hundreds of tons of ammonium nitrate improperly stored in a warehouse, inflicted extensive damage throughout Beirut, totaling billions of dollars. Nearly five years later, the families of the victims continue to seek justice, as no officials have been held accountable despite a judicial investigation plagued by obstruction. “The visit clearly sends the message that the explosion was a crime,” stated Cecile Roukoz, whose brother was among those killed. “There should be a message, the country should end impunity and ensure justice is served.”

Pope’s Urgent Call for Truth and Reconciliation

Upon his arrival in Lebanon on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV called on the nation’s leaders to pursue the truth as a pathway to peace and reconciliation. His final day in Lebanon began with an emotional visit to the De La Croix Hospital, which specializes in mental health care. Children dressed as Swiss Guards and cardinals greeted him, showcasing the spirit of hope despite the ongoing crises in the country.

Mother Marie Makhlouf, the hospital’s mother superior, expressed overwhelming emotion as she welcomed the pope. She conveyed the hospital’s mission to care for “forgotten souls, burdened by their loneliness.” In response, the pope emphasized the importance of not forgetting the most vulnerable members of society. “We cannot conceive of a society that races ahead at full speed while ignoring so many situations of poverty and vulnerability,” he remarked.

As he prepared to conclude his visit with a Mass along the Beirut waterfront, thousands of Lebanese gathered to witness the historic event, reflecting the significance of the pope’s presence. This visit marked a long-awaited moment for the nation, as Pope Francis had previously been unable to travel to Lebanon due to political and health challenges.

Relatives of Victims Demand Accountability

Pope Leo XIV’s message of peace resonated deeply with the families of those who perished in the explosion. One such family member, Mireille Khoury, whose 15-year-old son, Elias, lost his life in the blast, emphasized the necessity of justice and accountability for Lebanon to heal. She has been actively involved in calls for the completion of the investigation, which has implicated numerous political and judicial officials.

Since the explosion, families have gathered monthly to honor the victims and press the international community for support in the probe, which has faced significant resistance from officials. “Justice is the basis of building any country,” Khoury stated in an interview before the pope’s visit. “Our children were killed because someone kept ammonium nitrate in the main port of the city near a residential area.”

While Khoury expressed hope that the pope’s prayer would provide some comfort, she acknowledged that the anger surrounding the tragedy would not dissipate until justice is achieved. “I will not say that this anger will fully just disappear,” she remarked. “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 visit stands as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by the people of Lebanon and the pressing need for accountability in the wake of tragedy. As the nation continues to grapple with the legacy of the port explosion, the call for justice and healing remains at the forefront of its collective consciousness.