Pope Leo XIV Concludes Historic Visit to Lebanon, Calls for Unity and Peace

On December 2, 2025, Pope Leo XIV concluded his inaugural overseas journey with a poignant visit to Beirut, Lebanon, where he honored the victims of the 2020 port explosion and called for unity and peace in the nation.

Pope Leo XIV's visit to Beirut, marked by a silent prayer at the blast site and a Mass attended by approximately 150,000 people, underscores his commitment to fostering reconciliation in the Middle East. His actions have reignited calls for justice and highlighted the importance of interfaith unity in Lebanon's path forward.

Born Robert Francis Prevost on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Pope Leo XIV is the first American to ascend to the papacy. His diverse heritage includes Spanish, Cuban, Italian, French Canadian, and African American (Creole) ancestry. Prevost's early education was rooted in Catholic institutions, culminating in a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Villanova University in 1977. He joined the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977, was ordained a priest in 1982, and later earned a Doctor of Canon Law from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in 1987. His extensive missionary work in Peru and leadership roles within the Augustinian order preceded his appointment as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in 2023. He was elected pope on May 8, 2025, adopting the name Leo XIV.

On August 4, 2020, a catastrophic explosion at the Port of Beirut resulted in over 200 deaths, thousands of injuries, and widespread destruction. The blast was caused by the detonation of 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate stored improperly for years. This tragedy exacerbated Lebanon's existing political and economic crises, leading to public outcry and demands for accountability.

During his visit, Pope Leo XIV paid homage to the victims of the 2020 explosion. He offered a silent prayer, lit a candle, and laid a wreath at the memorial bearing the names of those who perished. The Pope also met with survivors and families of the deceased, many of whom continue to seek justice for the tragedy. His presence was seen as a powerful gesture of solidarity and support for the Lebanese people.

Later that day, Pope Leo XIV celebrated a Mass at Beirut's waterfront, attended by approximately 150,000 people. In his homily, he called for unity and peace in Lebanon, urging the nation to "cast off the armor of our ethnic and political divisions" and envision "a Lebanon where peace and justice reign, where all recognize each other as brothers and sisters."

The Pope's visit holds profound social and societal implications for Lebanon:

• Renewed Focus on Justice: His presence at the blast site has reignited calls for accountability and transparency regarding the 2020 explosion.

• Interfaith Unity: By addressing a diverse audience, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of unity among Lebanon's various religious and ethnic groups.

• International Attention: The visit has drawn global attention to Lebanon's ongoing struggles, potentially galvanizing international support and aid.

This visit marks the first papal trip to Lebanon since Pope Benedict XVI's visit in 2012. The turnout for Pope Leo XIV's Mass was notably smaller than that of his predecessor, reflecting the country's demographic changes due to economic hardship and emigration.

Pope Leo XIV's visit to Beirut serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action for justice and unity in Lebanon, resonating deeply within the nation and the broader international community.