Pope Leo Visits Explosion Site in Lebanon
Upon arriving at the devastated site, Pope Leo encountered relatives of the 218 individuals who perished in the explosion. The grieving families held up photographs of their lost loved ones.
As they stood together, they greeted the pope, who took the time to hold their hands, converse, and look closely at the pictures.
This poignant moment unfolded beside the remnants of the last grain silo that had been in place when the explosion triggered, leaving behind a landscape scarred by burnt-out vehicles.
The catastrophic event, which occurred on August 4, 2020, was caused by the detonation of hundreds of tons of ammonium nitrate, resulting in damage amounting to billions of dollars.
Five years later, the families are still demanding justice.
No officials have faced conviction in a judicial investigation that has faced repeated hindrances, provoking frustration among Lebanese citizens who view the explosion as yet another sign of persistent impunity following years of corruption.
“This visit sends a clear message: the explosion was a crime,” said Cecile Lukoz, whose brother died in the tragedy, emphasizing the need for an end to the culture of impunity.
Heartfelt Hospital Visit
Pope Leo’s final day in Lebanon commenced with an emotional visit to De La Croix Hospital, known for its care of individuals with mental health challenges.
He was greeted by familiar figures, including boys dressed as Swiss Guards and even one in white to resemble the pope.
Mother Marie Makhlouf, head of the hospital, expressed her deep sorrow as she welcomed him, highlighting the hospital’s role in caring for “forgotten souls burdened with loneliness.”
In his remarks, Leo emphasized that the facility stands as a testament to humanity’s collective memory, stating, “We cannot ignore the most vulnerable members of society while pretending well-being exists.”
The pope wrapped up his visit with a Mass along Beirut’s waterfront, making his way through the joyful crowds in a covered papal vehicle.
Excited Lebanese people gathered to witness the pope, recalling that his previous attempts to visit had been hindered by various crises and his own health issues.
“This visit means so much to us,” shared pilgrim Maggie Claudin. “We long for peace and a better way of life.”
Call for Justice from Victims’ Families
Pope Leo aimed to convey a message of peace in Lebanon, a nation dealing with an economic downturn and the repercussions of Hezbollah’s conflict with Israel and the devastating explosion.
Among those who met him at the site was Lebanese social minister Haneen Said, who lost her mother. Another was Mireille Coury, who lost her 15-year-old son, Elias, during the blast.
As Pope Leo approached, Coury pointed to the building where her son died, emphasizing the personal nature of the tragedy.
She articulated that without accountability, Lebanon cannot heal.
Families have come together monthly since the explosion, seeking international assistance for an investigation that officials have largely resisted.
“Justice is foundational for any nation,” she noted, referring to the deaths caused by the negligent storage of ammonium nitrate near residential areas.
Coury expressed a belief that the pope’s support offers some solace, yet she remains committed to seeking justice.
“While this anger might not disappear completely,” she reflected, “maybe it will ease until justice is achieved.”
Additionally, the fate of the grain silos, which mitigated some of the explosion’s impact, is still a topic of discussion.
The Lebanese government once proposed demolishing the silos but reversed that decision due to protests from victims’ families who demand their preservation as a historical monument, possibly containing information vital for the investigation.
As it stands, while the port is nearly operational again, it has yet to be fully reconstructed.
