Pope Leo XIV has issued a strong appeal for united efforts to restore Lebanon to its former glory, urging the nation to embrace peace, justice, and harmonious coexistence. His call came on the final day of his Apostolic Journey to Lebanon.
In a message posted on X, the Pontiff emphasized the need to dismantle ethnic and political divisions, open religious communities to genuine dialogue, and rekindle the dream of a united Lebanon where people coexist beyond the boundaries of religion or race.
“We must unite our efforts so that #Lebanon can return to its former glory. Disarming our hearts is the only way to do this. Let us cast off the armor of our ethnic and political divisions, open our religious confessions to mutual encounter, and reawaken in our hearts the dream of a united Lebanon, where peace and justice reign, where all recognize each other as brothers and sisters,” he wrote.
His appeal followed an emotional visit to the site of the 2020 Port of Beirut explosion, a tragedy caused by improperly stored ammonium nitrate that killed more than 200 people, injured 7,000, and displaced over 300,000. Five years on, investigations remain stalled, and accountability continues to lag, deepening public frustration.
At the port, Pope Leo XIV laid a wreath before a marble memorial inscribed with the names of the victims and prayed. He went on to greet grieving families holding photographs of their lost loved ones in the blast.
He later shared that the solemn visit left him deeply moved, strengthening his resolve for justice and renewal in Lebanon.
“I was deeply moved by my brief visit to the Port of Beirut, where an explosion devastated not just the area, but many human lives. I prayed for all the victims, and I carry with me the pain and thirst for truth and justice of so many families, of an entire country,” he said.
His visit also came days after Israeli airstrikes in southern Beirut killed Hezbollah’s chief of staff, Haitham Ali al-Tabtabai, and four others, injuring 28. Israel has accused Hezbollah of rebuilding its military capabilities and smuggling weapons into Lebanon in violation of the November 27, 2024 ceasefire. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that Israel will not allow Hezbollah to pose a renewed threat.
The Pope left a message for Lebanon’s youth, describing them as the country’s hope despite the burden of war and social injustice. He acknowledged the nation’s proud past yet painful wounds, urging the younger generation to remain resilient.
“Lebanon’s history is interwoven with glorious moments, but it is also marked by deep wounds that are slow to heal. Dear young people, perhaps you regret inheriting a world torn apart by wars and disfigured by social injustice. Yet there is hope within you, a gift that we adults seem to have lost,” he said.
Drawing on biblical imagery, the Pope likened Lebanon to its iconic cedars, symbols of strength, endurance and unity. He expressed confidence that the country will rise again, powered by the integrity and compassion of its people.
“Lebanon will flourish once again, beautiful and vigorous like the cedar, a symbol of the people’s unity and fruitfulness. The strength of the cedar lies in its roots. In the same way, the many good things we see in Lebanese society today are the result of the humble, hidden and honest work of so many people of good will.”
His message adds to mounting international calls for justice over the Beirut blast and for an end to escalating Israeli strikes. Earlier in the day, Pope Leo XIV also visited La Croix Hospital in Jal El Dib, one of the largest mental health facilities in the Middle East, as part of his final engagements on Lebanese soil.
By: Richmond Fordjour Ampofo
