BEIRUT, Lebanon – Pope Leo XIV concluded a visit to Lebanon marked by calls for unity and resilience, celebrating a final Mass on BeirutS waterfront before an estimated 150,000 people Sunday. The pope’s trip came as the country continues to grapple with overlapping economic, political, and security crises.
The pontiff earlier prayed at the site of the devastating 2020 Beirut port explosion, a tragedy that exacerbated Lebanon’s existing woes. Addressing the massive crowd gathered for the Mass, Pope Leo XIV acknowledged the “poverty and suffering” and “wounds” that have marked Lebanon’s history, while urging the nation’s diverse communities to overcome divisions.
“Let us cast off the armour of our ethnic and political divisions, open our religious confessions to mutual encounter and reawaken in our hearts the dream of a united Lebanon,” he said. “A Lebanon where peace and justice reign, where all recognize each other as brothers and sisters.”
The Pope, en route back to Rome Tuesday, emphasized Lebanon as an example of successful coexistence between islam and Christianity, suggesting that Europe and North America could learn from the country’s model of “authentic dialogue and respect.”
Lebanon has faced escalating challenges since the last papal visit in 2012. The nation plunged into one of the worst economic depressions in modern history in 2019, triggering widespread poverty and protests. The COVID-19 pandemic and the Beirut port explosion further destabilized the country. Political gridlock has stalled crucial economic reforms needed to unlock billions in foreign aid.
Adding to the instability, Lebanon endured a 13-month war between Hezbollah and Israel, resulting in approximately 4,000 Lebanese and 120 Israeli deaths. While a ceasefire was reached a year ago, Israel continues to conduct strikes against targets it alleges are linked to Hezbollah, accusing the group of rearmament efforts.
