A massive explosion in the port of Beirut in August 2020 left 236 people dead. It was one of the greatest tragedies in the history of Lebanon, and one of the largest non-nuclear explosions ever.
Over 7,000 people were injured. Along with the devestating loss of human life, the city and the country had to deal with countless material loss.
The explosion was caused by almost 3,000 tons of ammonium nitrate that had been stored with no safety measures in the port for six years.
Any related causes for the catastrophe have never been fully clarified.
Over five years later, survivors of the explosion and families of the victims continue to seek justice.
Knowing the extensive suffering that the tragedy has caused the people of Lebanon, Pope Leo visited the site marking the epicenter of where the blast occured.
During his visit, the Pope met with families of the victims to whom he offered consolation and prayers.
Standing near the monument commemorating the victims, Pope Leo prayed and meditated in silence.
From the Port of Beirut the Pope left for his concluding event in Lebanon: the celebration of Mass at the Beirut Waterfront.
