Lebanon awaits Pope Leo’s mass and tribute to Beirut Port explosion victims

Pope Leo XIV is set to lead a mass in Beirut on Tuesday, December 2, with over 120,000 attendees expected. This marks the final day of his visit to Lebanon and offers a solemn opportunity to honour the victims of the catastrophic port explosion in 2020.

According to Reuters, the Pope’s visit has brought a welcome distraction to a country still grappling with the aftermath of last year’s conflict with Israel, during which fears of renewed hostilities remained high.

Authorities have taken extensive security measures for the masses. From the evening of December 1, access to large areas in central Beirut, where the event will take place near the waterfront, has been restricted, and security checkpoints have been established.

Before visiting the port—the site of the massive blast that destroyed large parts of the city and claimed over 220 lives—Pope Leo will stop at a psychiatric hospital in Beirut, managed by nuns. Following this, he will hold a quiet prayer at the explosion site, paying tribute to the families of victims and survivors, many of whom continue to seek justice. The August 4, 2020, disaster remains one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in the world.

Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Lebanon began on November 30, following his departure from Türkiye. Upon arrival at Beirut International Airport, he was welcomed before travelling to Baabda, where he paid courtesy visits to President Joseph Aoun. He also held meetings with Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, civil authorities, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives of Lebanese society.

On December 1, the Pope travelled north into the Lebanese mountains to visit Annaya, where he prayed at the tomb of Saint Charbel Makhlouf in the Monastery of Saint Maroun. He then continued to Harissa, stopping at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon to meet bishops, priests, consecrated men and women, and pastoral workers. Later in the day, at the Apostolic Nunciature in Beirut, he held a private meeting with the Catholic Patriarchs of the East.

In the afternoon, Pope Leo took part in an ecumenical and interreligious gathering in Martyrs’ Square before travelling to Bkerké, the seat of the Maronite Patriarchate of Antioch. There, he met with thousands of young people assembled in front of the patriarchal residence.

By Tamilla Hasanova