Pope Leo XIV Concludes Historic Lebanon Trip with Urgent Peace Appeal

Pope Leo XIV ended his first overseas trip on Tuesday. The pontiff returned to Rome after a six-day journey. His final stop was Beirut, Lebanon.

There, he delivered a powerful message. He urgently called for an end to attacks in the region. The visit highlighted Lebanon’s deep crises and widespread hopes for stability.

A Mass for Peace Amid Lingering Conflict

The trip culminated with a massive outdoor Mass. Approximately 150,000 people attended the service on Beirut’s waterfront. The crowd included locals and international pilgrims.

President Joseph Aoun was among the senior officials present. The Pope received a jubilant welcome from the crowd. Many offered roses as his popemobile passed.

According to Reuters, the Pope made a heartfelt appeal. He asked for attacks and hostilities to cease. He specifically addressed leaders in war-torn nations to listen to their people’s cry for peace.

Silent Prayer at Site of National Trauma

Before the Mass, the Pope visited the Port of Beirut. He prayed at the site of the catastrophic August 2020 explosion. The blast killed over 220 people and injured thousands.

He met quietly with survivors and families of victims. Many held photos of their lost loved ones. The Pope said he was deeply moved by the visit.

He stated he carries the pain and thirst for justice of an entire country. No one has been held accountable for the explosion to date. This visit underscored the nation’s unresolved trauma.

Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural voyage abroad firmly established his papacy’s focus on global reconciliation. His direct appeal for peace in Lebanon resonates as a critical intervention for a region on edge.

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What was the main purpose of the Pope’s visit to Lebanon?

The Pope aimed to promote peace and reconciliation. He called for an end to hostilities in Lebanon and the wider Middle East. His visit was also a gesture of solidarity with a nation facing economic collapse and political instability.

How many people attended the Pope’s Mass in Beirut?

An estimated 150,000 people attended the outdoor Mass. The crowd was a mix of Lebanese citizens and pilgrims from abroad, including neighboring Syria. Senior government officials, including the President, were also present.

What did the Pope do at the Port of Beirut?

The Pope prayed silently at the site of the 2020 explosion. He met with survivors and relatives of the victims who died in the blast. He expressed his solidarity with their ongoing demand for truth and justice.

Did the Pope announce any future trips?

Yes, he indicated a desire to visit Africa next, possibly Algeria. He also mentioned Latin American countries like Argentina and Uruguay as future destinations. These trips have not been officially confirmed yet.